Nm35 Stagea Slushbox

[PN-Mad]

I think from what I can tell, My box is different in the valvebody. As we all know, no really way of confirming these things till one rips it open.

Apparently in mid 2004, the TCU (trans control unit) was moved from external to inside the transmission.

I don't think this actually effects the ability to install a trans-go VB kit, as I have seen sellers claiming compatibility.

This is a link showing removal of a VB, and showing TCU inside the box.

http://www.gtmotorsports.com/pdfs/products/16575_RE5RO5A_VB_RnR.pdf

[zei20l]

I think from what I can tell, My box is different in the valvebody. As we all know, no really way of confirming these things till one rips it open.

Apparently in mid 2004, the TCU (trans control unit) was moved from external to inside the transmission.

I don't think this actually effects the ability to install a trans-go VB kit, as I have seen sellers claiming compatibility.

This is a link showing removal of a VB, and showing TCU inside the box.

http://www.gtmotorsports.com/pdfs/products/16575_RE5RO5A_VB_RnR.pdf

AFAIK the valve body is NOT the same. but its close enough that a kit can be supplied with the same bits on all RE5R05A models and be compatible across the range.

and yes, the TCU is inside your transmission. 2004+ for M35 and V35 and possibly Z33

[andy65b]

Craig and I did my valve body today.

Results on the small tests I did tonight in wet weather are very good.

Shifts in normal driving feel largely unaffected and nice and smooth.

Shifts under harder acceleration are faster and firmer. They varied between fast shifts maintaining the car in the power zone to shifts where the you feel a surge of power on each upshift.

Very happy with the result.

[bigkevracer]

Craig and I did my valve body today.

Results on the small tests I did tonight in wet weather are very good.

Shifts in normal driving feel largely unaffected and nice and smooth.

Shifts under harder acceleration are faster and firmer. They varied between fast shifts maintaining the car in the power zone to shifts where the you feel a surge of power on each upshift.

Very happy with the result.

Did you find it as hard to install as the instructions make out?

[andy65b]

Did you find it as hard to install as the instructions make out?

It is complicated with lots of ways of making mistakes but it is possible. We had one moment as we were using my shitty torque wrench and managed to snap a bolt.

The instructions are actually pretty straight forward and make a lot of sense when working on it.

[Jetwreck]

Did you find it as hard to install as the instructions make out?

without taking the piss.....If you have a lack of mechanical experience I would not attempt it.

Very easy to stuff up and if you do I have the only spare VB(controlling interest ).....and it's not for sale!

[bigkevracer]

I have none, so I'm going to make dad do it.

Can't you get a spare VB from somewhere? Surely if the gearbox was used in the Navara and 350Z they'd be out there somewhere?

[Jetwreck]

I have none, so I'm going to make dad do it.

Can't you get a spare VB from somewhere? Surely if the gearbox was used in the Navara and 350Z they'd be out there somewhere?

Sure you can....just make sure you get the right evolution of it.

[andy65b]

Day 2 evaluation:

"D" is now a lot more enjoyable to use for regular driving. I used to always drive in manual mode as the car would always be switching between 4th & 5th. Now the car holds 5th on hills for much longer and when it does kick down the shift is barely noticeable and no flaring.

I will be doing a drive to Albury on the weekend so it will be interesting to see what it is like on the open road.

[Commsman]

Thanks Andy, I look forward to reading more reports. My kit should be here soon, but will wait for a bit before installing. If there's any downside at all I'd like to know, but TBO I'm not expecting any given what I've read elsewhere.

[Jetwreck]

Going to order another 3 kits hopefully next week....anyone want to jump on the order to save on shipping and maybe price?

[slippylotion]

What price would I be looking at for 1 delivered to Adelaide?

[Jetwreck]

What price would I be looking at for 1 delivered to Adelaide?

It will be an extra $10-$15 on top of what I get it to me for....if I was to take a guess about $260 to you.

Ps. This is sort of a group buy....i'm not making money on this

Edited August 20, 2011 by Jetwreck

[slippylotion]

If its $260 to me I'm in as I think on the summit website its about $290 to me via priority mail.

[spoolin12]

Just had Craig install my kit today. I stayed around to try and 'help' by getting in the way lots. I have done most things to my car (brakes, cooler, suspension etc) and I wouldn't want to be doing this myself...

First impressions are awesome. Can't really tell any difference at low speed, still silky smooth changes, but when you put your foot down it kicks you in the back and shifts much quicker!

Brand new 2 door M3 with exhaust had no chance on the way home!

Thanks again Craig. Awesome work.

[PN-Mad]

Yeah, it was defiantly one Mechanic there today, and two numpty's pulling parts off, then putting them back on the car!

I'm in for one of these.

Can wait for my car to start taking shape soon!

[WAGON_BOY]

Going to order another 3 kits hopefully next week....anyone want to jump on the order to save on shipping and maybe price?

Hey Craig, yeah im up for one of these shoot me a PM with info of deposit details

cheers, Theo.

[Jetwreck]

I'll let you guys know hopefully on monday night after I call them.

[andy65b]

Having installed the shift kit on my car a few weeks ago I have been looking forward to the chance to do a decent trip to see what effect it had on highway driving and economy.

I went down to the snow on the weekend and this is a drive I have done many times and quite a few in recent years in the stagea. The feel in the shift kit on the open road is very good with changes precise and fast ensuring quick overtaking. I always drive the Stagea on highway in Manual mode as I find it a little more precise for gear selection than relying on D.

Economy.

Leg 1. Sydney - Canberra. Result 11.4L/km. (this was after 200km's around sydney and stating on a reading of 14.0L/100km) Previous best is 12.3L/100km.

Leg 2. Canberra - Jindabyne (2 trips to Perisher) - Goulburn. Result 10.3L/100km (this result blew me away considering it included 2 trips to Perisher Valley) (ave speed 104kmh actual)

Leg 3. Goulburn - West Ryde: Result 9.3L/100km This was sitting on an indicated 122km (actual 116km). (Previous best 10L/100km)

This is on average a 0.7L/100km improvement which is pretty decent. Not to mention the improved performance.

[bigkevracer]

Sounds good. 9.3?! We saw 9.5 from Adelaide to Melbourne over the weekend, and were happy with that. But that was without the shift kit, never thought of it improving economy...

As an aside, do people recommend a larger trans cooler to go with the shift kit?