yoda-g3
SILVER Star
I just though I'd share my impressions with you guys.
I know that as far as modified valve bodies go, there aren't a whole lot of options out there. (At least from what I have found when searching.) For the 4Runner / Taco crowd its usually Level 10 or IPT, and the Cruiser crowd usually goes for the Aussy route. (Forgot the name of the company.)
Just to give a little background, I have a S/C'd 4Runner that used to tow my 40 around quite a bit. I had IPT rework that VB two years ago and was VERY impressed on the results. I noticed much cooler tranny temps as well as very nice, crisp shifts. After it was all said and done I had about $800 into it. (Topped off with Amsoil) If I had to go back, I probably would have done that before any other mod. The whole driving experience is so much more enjoyable without those slushy shifts on and off road.
When I purchased my 80, I immediately could tell that the tranny was working WAY to hard with the turbo being tuned to over 400 ft/lbs torque to the wheels. When running at WOT, or towing 4000lbs of boat, the shifts were painfully slow. I often cought myself imagning the clutch discs catching on fire while shifting into second. Needless to say I put a new VB at the top of the list. After doing a little lurking around the forums I found that the only real familiar company out there doing VB's for 80's was based in Australia, but I decided to give IPT a crack at it first since I was so happy with them last time. (Just to note they didn't have my tranny code advertised on their site, but were very confident when I called to inquire about it.)
They were very helpfull over the phone, and seemed very meticulous when I described the driving environment, horsepower requirements, and shift firmness I wanted. The end result has been AMAZING. I don't have temps or economy numbers to give a real detailed side by side comparison, but I can tell you that now it shifts like it should've from the factory. I've done a decent amount of towing and some moderate wheeling and am very surprised how well it responds.
The cost runs about $550 for the actual modification, add shipping each way, and fluid cost. It is important to note that they actually modify your personal VB, there is no core / advance shipment method. So your rig is out of commision while it is being done. For my 4runner I paid $100 overnight each way so I was only down for a couple days, but this time I was feeling cheap so it was down for a week.
its a pretty easy job to un-install and re-install yourself, just EXTREMELY messy. I'm really anal about stuff and it took me about 1.5 hrs out, 2hrs in (most of which was pouring fluid.)
Bottom line, if you have ANY type of forced induction this is a MUST. Or if you just want your brick on wheels to shift like a sports car, that too is a must.
If any one has any questions feel free to ask!
I know that as far as modified valve bodies go, there aren't a whole lot of options out there. (At least from what I have found when searching.) For the 4Runner / Taco crowd its usually Level 10 or IPT, and the Cruiser crowd usually goes for the Aussy route. (Forgot the name of the company.)
Just to give a little background, I have a S/C'd 4Runner that used to tow my 40 around quite a bit. I had IPT rework that VB two years ago and was VERY impressed on the results. I noticed much cooler tranny temps as well as very nice, crisp shifts. After it was all said and done I had about $800 into it. (Topped off with Amsoil) If I had to go back, I probably would have done that before any other mod. The whole driving experience is so much more enjoyable without those slushy shifts on and off road.
When I purchased my 80, I immediately could tell that the tranny was working WAY to hard with the turbo being tuned to over 400 ft/lbs torque to the wheels. When running at WOT, or towing 4000lbs of boat, the shifts were painfully slow. I often cought myself imagning the clutch discs catching on fire while shifting into second. Needless to say I put a new VB at the top of the list. After doing a little lurking around the forums I found that the only real familiar company out there doing VB's for 80's was based in Australia, but I decided to give IPT a crack at it first since I was so happy with them last time. (Just to note they didn't have my tranny code advertised on their site, but were very confident when I called to inquire about it.)
They were very helpfull over the phone, and seemed very meticulous when I described the driving environment, horsepower requirements, and shift firmness I wanted. The end result has been AMAZING. I don't have temps or economy numbers to give a real detailed side by side comparison, but I can tell you that now it shifts like it should've from the factory. I've done a decent amount of towing and some moderate wheeling and am very surprised how well it responds.
The cost runs about $550 for the actual modification, add shipping each way, and fluid cost. It is important to note that they actually modify your personal VB, there is no core / advance shipment method. So your rig is out of commision while it is being done. For my 4runner I paid $100 overnight each way so I was only down for a couple days, but this time I was feeling cheap so it was down for a week.
its a pretty easy job to un-install and re-install yourself, just EXTREMELY messy. I'm really anal about stuff and it took me about 1.5 hrs out, 2hrs in (most of which was pouring fluid.)
Bottom line, if you have ANY type of forced induction this is a MUST. Or if you just want your brick on wheels to shift like a sports car, that too is a must.
If any one has any questions feel free to ask!
)
