03 Transmission Performance

[SamF]

First..uh, no Second post...I joined in 02 but it took me 4 years to get my Marauder. It has 25,000 miles and looks and runs great for the most part. I am really happy with the car so far except for the trans which seems like a real dawg. It hunts and pecks it's way in and out of overdrive all day long and doesnt feel really locked up off the line either. "Slushbox" comes to mind here....

Locking out OD adds some kick but it still seems soft behind such a sweet motor.

Does this seem normal for an early build car?

Thanks for any info you might have. (shift kit reccomendation?,etc)

Sam

[fastblackmerc]

Contact one of the vendors on the site for a new computer tune. You'll be amazed at the difference.

[Smokie]

I have an early 03 and yes the shifting was soft. I purchased a tune for N/A Marauder from Dennis Reinhart and it made a great deal of difference, very sharp fast shifting, improved gas mileage....it didn't hurt the 1/4 mile either (14.49 @ 97.51). :)

[kj31067]

Contact one of the vendors on the site for a new computer tune. You'll be amazed at the difference.




it will be a night and day difference!!!!!!

[ckadiddle]

What they said. The annoying transmission behaviors at low speeds are taken care of with the custom tunes. I kicked myself repeatedly in the buttocks for being so tight for so long after I bought my tuner. Please purchase from one of our fine supporting vendors. I just took some vacation time -- first real extended highway time with the Marauder. I have a Reinhart tune, Magnaflow mufflers and a PHP air intake. It's an asphalt-eating monster, even when starting from 70 mph to pass slower traffic. Drop out of overdrive, punch it and HOLD ON TIGHT.

[RF Overlord]

SamF:

First of all, welcome to the club!

Second, yes...the transmission shift schedule in stock form leaves a lot to be desired...it was programmed to get into as high a gear as possible as soon as possible for "gas-guzzler" reasons. As the others have said ^^^, get a tune from one of the excellent vendors here and you will be amazed at the difference.

As far as a shift kit goes, either do the "J-mod" or leave it be...and whatever you do, do NOT use a Trans-Go shift kit...here's (http://forums.modulardepot.com/showthread.php?t=4121&highlight=trans+go+chick) why...scroll down to reply #8...

[ctrlraven]

I just ordered a Xcal2 unit from DR. Does Dennis upload his tune onto it or is it already set from SCT with a tune and he modifies it?

[KillJoy]

Yup, yup, yup. Get a Tune. Give Lidio, or Dennis a call....both can fix that poor shifting transmission!

KillJoy

[SamF]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll look into a reprogram for sure.

After driving it a bit I see now what they are trying to do and have gotten used to how to control the trans to some extent with throttle position and the OD lockout.

Still, this car manages to put a serious smile on my face....

SamF

[fastblackmerc]

Still, this car manages to put a serious smile on my face....

SamF
More miles, more smiles.... :D

[ckadiddle]

I just ordered a Xcal2 unit from DR. Does Dennis upload his tune onto it or is it already set from SCT with a tune and he modifies it?
I believe that it comes from dennis with two tunes - first one for premium fuel and stock gears, and a second one for those who add 4.10 gears (since it is a common upgrade).

[ctrlraven]

Ahh, ok thats cool, thanks for letting me know that ;)