Who wants a G2 shift kit?

[Down2TheC]

I'm takin' all input! CP-e wants to do the proto shift kit on my ride before I pick it up next week. (Details below). It's a bit more risk for my ride imo when compared to an intake. Sounds great but it's the trans! On the other hand that's the thing I like the least about the G2 and I would love to help bring about another product for the SG team. Just want to know if it's something you guys want.

We'll get Stage 1 and 2.

Stage one will include valve body and solenoid modifications that free up horse power and lower heat levels. You can expect increased durability and load capacity along with shorter more positive shifts. Short positive shifts free up horse power and parasitic loss. The ability to decrease friction allows for lower heat transfer, increased durability, and increased load capacity.

Stage two will include a torque converter machined to custom specs provided by the customer. For the street CPE recommends a converter with a 3,000 RPM stall speed.

That's their pitch and I must admit... getting a free tranny upgrade makes the 1500 miles payoff better. Plus they expect the lag would be mostly gone. So I'm tempted. Any trans experts out there with an opinion?

[Down2TheC]

45+ views and not a word... Guess you guys aren't into it.

I decided I'm doing it anyway. Mazda forums are very happy with theirs and I checked with Toyota Service to see if they do detailed trans work. They just ripout and replace so they'd never even see the mods if something happened.

But mostly, I would love a better transmission and from the overwhelming response to this post, I'm guessing it will never be available if I don't proto it. So I'll be the guinea pig for this too. Should have results to post in two weeks.

[michaels artic frost]

Hey Mike, GL with it bro. Thanks for these updates and pioneering for the Gen 2 as well.

-M

[Down2TheC]

Gracias... You're the the real pioneer tho... I just dropped the car off.
Time spent modding my car: 15 min. for sill plates, 2 min. for DocJohn Mod. [edit] Plus 5 min. for lower MichaelT grill. [/edit]

Turns out they want her for another week for the shift kit. So I'll tag you when I know about the return date and see if you
want to see/test the mods. It would be killer to see the legendary artic frost in person.

[alan8888]

Becoz ppl is lazy to leave a word...A lot of members in here just like to read...only......

Wish the mod or kit.won't be too expensive...becoz i am just a poor student.......How much is going to be ??

[Down2TheC]

They'll know more when they get into the TC. If it's cast, it'll be expensive like the Mazda. Can't machine cast. If it's machined, then they can mod the one that's on there and it will be much cheaper.

[DocJohn]

Here's my opinion for what its worth....
The stage 1 & 2 tranny mods sound great, but I would have reservations about installing these mods only because of the very likely possibility of voiding my car's powertrain warranty.
My dealership won’t rotate my tires because I have AM wheels, so I can just imagine what they would do (after they stopped laughing) if I have powertrain problems and also have the CP-e stage 1 & 2 tranny mods in place.

I hope you're right when you say that, "They just ripout and replace so they'd never even see the mods if something happened. "

[Down2TheC]

Yes and no. If it ends up with a replacement TC, it would be obvious. I asked that they take lots of pics as they make changes so you'll be able to see what's different. But in general, no... a Toyota mechanic troublshooting/repairing a trans problem would not see that a vane in the TC was machined down an extra 1/4 inch or that there's a new hole in that plate.
When it's all done, I'll give you pics of the alts and you can decide if it's worth your risk. (Plus you can wait and see if my ride dies!) I'm taking the risk because I know that if worst case comes true and the tranny drops with Toyota voiding warranty, I'm out a couple grand. Weighed against the benefit of a better feeling trans over the lifespan of the car... I'm willing to make that bet. A couple grand wouldn't break me and I plan to hang on to the car for a loooong time.

And Doc, you'll prolly get the chance to drive it to see if it's worth it! New KY pass thru date is the weekend of 25/26 June. Thanks for the input.

[DocJohn]

down2thec: I see your point and I really appreciate your mod pioneering efforts. It will be interesting to see the results. The CP-e intake system will basically be a "must have" mod for me. I'm looking forward to seeing your ride when you pass through KY.

[alan8888]

30k miles now the 36k warranty..........almost end :-p

[VVTiGuy]

How much do the trans upgrades for the mazda cost? Its too bad you didn't race your car or even g-tec it before to really measure the performance improvement. With the stage 2 I wouldn't doubt a .3-.4 reduction in 0-60 and 1/4 mile times. Please keep us posted with the results.

[Down2TheC]

I know this is very lame but I did videotape a few 0-60 runs on the way over there. From Parked on the shoulder of the highway to 60 with WOT and close to red line for first and second. The video recorder is pointed at the guages so you can see the tach and speed. So with Premiere, I can get the exact times.

I'll do it again on the way back and compare the two. (And maybe chop it up for a head to head video comparison.) (Did I mention I'm a geek?) But now the results will be the net change with the intake and shift kit. No way to test the intake alone as I originally intended. But the Dyno will have to do for that.

Mazda required a replacement TC from an Altima (I think) so it's pricey. near $1100 for stage 1 & 2. I'm hoping ours is machined and thus a direct swap saving everyone money. But you can't compare pricing with the different cars. I'm told our intake will be cheaper than the Mazda because of a simpler/shorter pipe.

[DocJohn]

I know this is very lame but I did videotape a few 0-60 runs on the way over there. I'll do it again on the way back and compare the two. (And maybe chop it up for a head to head video comparison.)

This isn't lame, its actually a neat idea. I'm looking forwarrd to seeing your video comparison along with the dyno results.

Do you have any idea as to how much the CP-e intake will cost and when it will be offered for sale?

[Down2TheC]

They'll set the price once they get the first pipes go thru their mandril bender. All I know now is that our pipe is more simple to make than the Mazda (one bend vs. two.) and thus it will be cheaper. Electronics stay the same though. I hope they do a good price point so they get lots of Solara biz, inspiring them to work on some headers for us.