B&M Shift Improver?

[Mirage]

Was thinking about getting one of these? I know Sam has one in his truck. Is it really worth it? Does it actually help you shift points? Any feedback would be appreciated?

[kevint]

do you mean the Shift Plus?

If you do...I have one. It doesnt change the shift points at all, but it changes the line pressure it uses to shift. You will notice that it will shift harder-and when you put it into gear initially, it will essentially *bang* into it. Ignore the "intermediate" setting and go straight to max, you wil feel the difference.

[96BlkSLS]

I've had one installed in my truck for over a year now and think it works fine. Like "kevint," I've had mine set at the max setting since day one and haven't touched it. You can really feel the difference, plus it's an easy install

[Sam]

It's really just good for shift firmness. It doesn't change the points really, but i noticed that at full throttle, It will never shift to 4th gear. The computer cuts the truck off at 95 or so, and it stays in 3rd until then. I like it just because it was cheap and it's switchable. on the newer trucks, 98 and up I think, you must turn off the ignition to get out of mode 2. The instructions tell you this about both modes 1 and 2, but I can switch between normal and mode 1 and back on the fly. It's just the 2nd mode that sticks until you turn off the IGN. Also, It won't activate (alter firmness) until you change gears. for example, sitting at a red light in "D", switch it to either mode and switch it right back, nothing changes. You can also be cruising at any speed and switch to another mode and switch back as long as you don't downshift or upshift. what i'm saying is that you aren't stuck in mode 2 if you just bump the switch accidentally (as long as you don't shift). You can switch it back to normal from mode 2, and not have to kill the IGN. mode 1 is free to be switched at any time. I leave mine on normal almost all the time, since mode 2 is really too damn harsh for everday. it puts a lot of strain on the driveline too. I really only use mode 1 mainly for entrance ramps and such, unless i just want to play in mode 2. I wouldn't leave it on mode 2 all the time. You'll see why. Hope this helps. ;)

[Mirage]

Sweet, thanks for the info guys! I may keep this on my list then. I've never gone to the track, but would this help, in case I ever wanted to go? Is this what it looks like Sam? Link is here (http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=egnsearch.asp&N=400004+300209) If so, how do you select what level you want to run?

[MotoX s-10]

i definately recomend it, and i believe it may actually affect your shift point so it can build up more presure in the lines for a harder shift, for everyday driving the max ssetting can get bothersome but i have never been able to chirp the tires, even with it on the max setting, but for $50 it makes a big difference and makes oyu pull way harder in the 1-2 which feels good

[67Truckin]

I put the B&M street/strip shift kit in both my 1986 Jimmy and my1993 S-10 trucks. They shifted hard and would definetly 'chirp' the 15x10 rims and tires I was running. I had it in each truck for over 40,000 trouble free miles including towing trailers. Nothing sounds so impressive as pulling past some guy and then chirping the tires when shifting beside his door! Go for it! :D

[Sam]

Yeah, that's it. There is a 3way rocker switch on the top of the unit. You just toggle between the modes. Normal is in the middle. You have to tap 2 wires into the computer wiring (in front of the blower motor box) and either run the unit into the cab like I did or leave it under the hood. I didn't want to leave it there b/c it may get water in it. The other black lump in the wiring is an in-line module that makes it work for Chevy, Ford, etc; whatever application it's for. You just tap 2 wires and go. It does somewhat change the shift points for increased line pressure, but just a barely. Nothing like the hypertech programmer did. That was the best part about that programmer that I had.

[Mirage]

You couldn't make the tires chirp? Hell, mine will do that now, with no mods!!! Sam, do you think I should just save up and buy the Programmer? I know they're not worth what they sell for, but if it'll change the tranny some, I might like to have it? Wish you hadn't have sold yours, I would've bought it from ya.

[kevint]

It made my tires chirp, and it feels pretty cool when your going at a low speed and it does the 1-2 shift. you get a little *kick* in the ass

[R-Man]

I've actually got one that I took out of my truck, its for the 98+ 4.3L It's a pretty sweet little device. I could sell it cheaper than new. Not sure if i can find the paperwork, but its available online. Just message me if you're interested. :D

[Sam]

well, my programmer was for a 2000, so it wouldn't have worked anyway. I can get the tires to chirp occasionally, but with the 255's i'm running it's tough. the hypertech makes it shift firmly too, but it's a better feeling shift than the shift plus from B&M. the programmer lauches you into the next gear better than the B&M. the B&M kinda just makes your truck jump. The hypertech also changed the shift points to where the shift feels better and it runs the RPM up before the shift. I never used the shift firmness feature on the programmer because i had the B&M thingy. If you do want a programmer, buy one used off ebay for a 2003. You'll be pissed off if you don't like it after you spend $400 and only get $150 for it used if you try to sell it. just try one off ebay if you can find one. It's just as good as a new one, and you won't screw yourself out of lots of money if you don't want it. It's a better way to see if you like it.

[Mirage]

Yeah, I looked on ebay a while back for one for an 03 and came up empty handed... I'm running a little low on funds ATM, so I'll have to hold off on one right now anyway.

[Mirage]

PM sent R-Man

[Sam]

Jason, look here: programmer (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hypertech-Power-Programmer-III-2003-GM-Part-30019-NR_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33597QQitemZ79954871 15QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW)

[Mirage]

Damnit, didn't see your post till now. Looks like someone did the buy it now crap for 219 bucks! That's still rather expensive, don't ya think?

[Mirage]

Sam, I found another one on ebay, still pricey, but here it is: Programmer (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hypertech-Power-Programmer-3-for-2003-GM-Trucks_W0QQitemZ7994303241QQcategoryZ33597QQssPage NameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

[Kenny]

If you have the extrra bucks and the skills, the transgo kit is great. It gets rid of the annoying servo lock-up, shows you how to modify the little screen filters on the seperater plate, boost valves, and it uses higher rate springs for the accumulater instead of spacers like the cheaper kits. This kit takes care of a lot of flaws in the factory trans that raising line pressure won't. It is really a first class kit, but at $129 it costs like one too! I used a B&M kit behind a stout 406" small block and kept breaking sun shells.

[Sam]

Jason, I bought my programmer off ebay for $115, but that was the older model that only worked on the 2000. Now they have one that works on all 96-2000 and reads trouble codes too. It's an updated part #, so it costs more, but I could have had codes read free at a parts store anyway. There was no reason for me to buy the new updated version. Too bad for you the 2003 programmer is only for a 2003. Maybe you can luck up and find one cheap like I did. I will eventually buy another one, since I liked the shift properties and I will need to change the rear tire diameter when I finally get my 20's for the back (when??). Just keep an eye on ebay.

[Mirage]

Sam, the guy didn't sell his Programmer on ebay and he and I are trying to work out a deal. He won't go less than 200 for it, so do you think I should buy his or not? I told him I would get back to him this weekend.

[Sam]

What do you mean, didn't sell it? Did he stop the auction early? $200 is not bad for a 2003 programmer. as long as it is returned to stock on the previous truck, you'll be fine. If it also checks and clears trouble codes, that's a good deal. I doubt you'll ever find one cheaper than that, but you may get lucky later if you have to pass this one up.

[Mirage]

Yep, it's been returned to stock and it have the check/clear truoble codes thingy on it. I told him I would buy it, even though I know I shoudln't at the moment, but gotta do what ya gotta do :rolleyes:

[Sam]

You won't find anybody else that will work with you like that I guess. It will be worth the money if you can read codes too. You'll like the shift points too. Just don't get your hopes up on the performance end of it. It's also nice to know you can correct for larger tires and diff. gears. I just sold mine for the money so I could get some other stuff.

[Mirage]

LOL, Sam, these things are popular, especially for the 03's! There were a couple on ebay, with bids way over 200, so I think I got a deal? Should I get the shifter improver now or not, since I'm getting the programmer? I hope this thing is easy to figure out, cause I've never used one...?

[Sam]

The programmer is super easy to use. I thought that price sounded good. Just read the whole manual first so you'll know what's going on. I don't think you'll need the shift improver with the programmer, at least you shouldn't. I would buy it if you are getting the programmer. The programmer's shift points and firmess will be better than the B&M. The programmer should be all you need. Go ahead and claim it before it's gone!

[97zq8]

Mirage,
I this person going to set up an auction to sell the HPP3 to you?

Don't buy something from someone without an actual auction on ebay because they may take your money and ebay can't get you your money back.

[Mirage]

I'm not a moron, ya know? I said he had it on an ebay auction and it didn't sell, then we made the deal, I sent him the money Saturday and got the HPP today....

[97zq8]

Sorry if I sounded that way. As long as the deal was through ebay that's fine, I just didn't catch that part.

[97zq8]

When it comes in, let us know what you think of it.
Do you know if you can run cheap gas with it? I heard that you had to get the higher octane fuel.

[Mirage]

I got it yesterday and it has a setting for either 87 or 93 :D It also has a speed limiter, on it, which means after I pass 97mph, the truck won't shut down :cool: You can get it 110mph from this. The shift points are awesome!

[97zq8]

Thats cool! I might look into getting one for my 97. I've had the shift improver plus for a year now and it is nice, but I have always wanted the HPP3 so I might get one.