Want Smoother Shifts? Try This!

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Stage 4.6

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My tranny is insanely notchy specially when cold, going to try this mod soon, went to my local NAPA store and got the 2 copper washers part#704-1357 that original OP mentioned in the first post, hopefully a fluid change (RP/Amsoil haven't decided yet?) and this mod will help?
 
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01yellercobra

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A good fluid will help with the notchiness when it's cold. I had this mod and ran Coastal brand ATF in my old T-56. It was a little notchy when it was cold. But once it was warmed up it was pretty smooth. In my current T-56 I have Synchromesh, but I don't have this mod. The trans does feel "heavier" when shifting. So this mod is on my list of things to do.
 

MalcolmV8

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My tranny is insanely notchy specially when cold, going to try this mod soon, went to my local NAPA store and got the 2 copper washers part#704-1357 that original OP mentioned in the first post, hopefully a fluid change (RP/Amsoil haven't decided yet?) and this mod will help?

These transmissions are notchy when cold by nature. Not sure you can ever eliminate that. I had the two washers on the ident bolt, MGW shifter, quadrant, firewall adjuster etc. etc. everything possible. I also tried every fluid I could find including the GM synromesh, penzoil, mobil, generics at the auto parts store etc. While you can improve it, you'll never completely eliminate the notchy feeling when cold.
Even my T56 Magnum is notchy when cold. I imagine it's just the nature of beefy transmissions made to hold power. Once they warm up though they're silky smooth if setup right.
 

Stage 4.6

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These transmissions are notchy when cold by nature. Not sure you can ever eliminate that. I had the two washers on the ident bolt, MGW shifter, quadrant, firewall adjuster etc. etc. everything possible. I also tried every fluid I could find including the GM synromesh, penzoil, mobil, generics at the auto parts store etc. While you can improve it, you'll never completely eliminate the notchy feeling when cold.
Even my T56 Magnum is notchy when cold. I imagine it's just the nature of beefy transmissions made to hold power. Once they warm up though they're silky smooth if setup right.

That's depressing to here! Mine in the mornings will grind if I don't shift very slowly and carefully. Once it warms up its just notchy during normal driving but when I get on it hard and shift fast it feels pretty good. Iam running GM synchromesh in it now, was going to try one of the two miracle liquids "RP/Amsoil" and hope it makes it a little better?

Ive followed some of your threads and seen you've tried just about everything as well. I was actually contemplating having my tranny rebuilt because of the notchy, chattery, and noisy ass tranny it is. But Cobrabob talked me out of it for now. I'll try these two simple mods (washers and fluids) for now then ill concentrate on beefing up the rear end and run it till the tranny breaks and haveit rebuilt or swapped for a magnum? How do you like your Magnum?

Thanks for the info!
 
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GodStang

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Dropping the tranny for a twin disc when the new blower goes on. I will for sure do this mod.
 

MalcolmV8

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That's depressing to here! Mine in the mornings will grind if I don't shift very slowly and carefully. Once it warms up its just notchy during normal driving but when I get on it hard and shift fast it feels pretty good. Iam running GM synchromesh in it now, was going to try one of the two miracle liquids "RP/Amsoil" and hope it makes it a little better?

Ive followed some of your threads and seen you've tried just about everything as well. I was actually contemplating having my tranny rebuilt because of the notchy, chattery, and noisy ass tranny it is. But Cobrabob talked me out of it for now. I'll try these two simple mods (washers and fluids) for now then ill concentrate on beefing up the rear end and run it till the tranny breaks and haveit rebuilt or swapped for a magnum? How do you like your Magnum?

Thanks for the info!

For me personally Penzoil Syncromesh produced the best results and its what I ended up sticking with.
The Magnum is nice. The shifter throw is way to long. I have the stock shifter handle attached to its shifter. I need to find something shorter and more suitable. The reverse lock out solenoid doesn't work for some reason either. So shifting into 5th is annoying. I have to carefully line it up or it catches on the gate and wants to try go into 5th or reverse. I need to find a replacement solenoid somewhere.
 

Stage 4.6

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Wow so you've had good results with the Penzoil synchromesh, That's ironic because I cant find RP or Amsoil in any of my local auto parts stores, have to order but I found Penzoil at the first local Autozone I went to.

Thanks for the info on the magnum.
 

roy_1031

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I did mine when I had the tranny out for a clutch replacement and I also switched over to Amsoil as well. So I am not sure if it was the washers or Amsoil, but my transmission shifts pretty smooth now.
 

Stage 4.6

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I tried getting to that bolt this weekend and had no luck, I could get the socket on the bolt but not enough leverage to turn it. Once the weather warms up ill try and get it at it again

I did drain the tranny and added some Amsoil, drove about 20 miles cant really say it has made a difference yet, maybe after more drive-time?
 

MalcolmV8

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I did drain the tranny and added some Amsoil, drove about 20 miles cant really say it has made a difference yet, maybe after more drive-time?

My personal experience when changing oils if there's a difference to be felt it's immediate. Nothing changes after putting miles on.
 

Michael Lorage

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stupid question , but which both is this and is it able to get at, with the trans in the car ??
 

94slowbra1

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well this will probably be my next "mod" along with a fluid change. now i just need to make up my mind on what fluid (rp synchromax, gm synchromesh, pennzoil synchomesh, mobil 1 atf ...) hopefully i can get to the bolt without having to pull the tranny
 
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