Feedback/How to: Install SHR Shift Improvement Solenoids

[HEMI~C~]

Ok guys, as part of putting my Maggie on steroids I recently installed the SHR NAG1-HTC RACE transmission as part of my new supercharged low compression 392 shortblock combo installed approximately a month ago.

At this point I should also add that I installed the B&G TCM late last year in an effort to help prolong the use of the stock tranny. While it did indeed help, it was no match to 625+RWHP pushing at 4600+ car down the track as I still toasted 2 stock transmissions.

The SHR tranny and B&G has held up magnificently in two tracks sessions resulting in multiple 10 sec runs ....passes that have destroyed my other two stock trannies. No degradation in daily driving what so ever and now I have a 2-3 that is rock solid, and 3-4 that remained firm....both of these shifts were giving me huge problems at this power level on the stock tranny w/B&G.

So given my tendency to add more to the mix, like a 200 shot of nitrous in an effort to run "The number", I decided I didn't want to take any chances and asked Eddie to ship me some extra insurance in the form of two shift/pressure solenoids:

Click to view the original image

So first off, let me just say that if you can change your oil, sparkplugs, and other routine maintenance items then you should be able to install these solenoids...on your back, in the garage

1. Drain fluid / pull tranny pan off and remove the transmission filter.

2. Undo the electronic connector on passenger side of the tranny.

Click to view the original image

3. There is a gold colored 7mm bolt in the center of the electonic plug that remains in the tranny....loosen it completely (it doesn't pull out) and then pull the plug completely out of the tranny ensuring you have both orings still on the plug.

Click to view the original image

Click to view the original image

Click to view the original image

At this point it will look like this:

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5. Loosen / Remove the 10 star bolts retaining the valve body...... lower/seperate valve body from the main transmission.

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With valvebody removed you should be looking at this right about now.....

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Here is the beautiful valvebody that gets our 2 tons of fun off the line:'

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6. With the valve body on the work bench you should pop the large white cover off the passenger side of the valve body, exposing the solenoids.

Click to view the original image

7. Remove the single retaining bolt that hold the spring against the solenoids.

Click to view the original image

Click to view the original image

8. With the retaining bolt/spring removed, gently pull the stock "brown top" solenoids straight out by hand. Its a snug/machine fit so be patient.

Here is a shot with the solenoids removed and the new blue top solenoids ready to go in.

Click to view the original image

9. Now install the blue top solenoids, pressing them firmly by hand ensuring they are fully seated, re install the retaining spring/bolt and put the cover back on.

Click to view the original image

10. Now reinstall the valvebody exactly in reverse of how it was removed, placing extra care to line up the manual shift valve with the pin on the drivers side of the transmission:

Click to view the original image

Click to view the original image

11. Ensure all bolts are reinstalled and torqued down to 8nM, filter installed, electrical plug installed with orings, electrical connector reconnected and oil pan reinstalled.

12. At this point, I captured and then measured the exact amount of oil that I took out of the tranny and poured that amount back in to get me in the ballpark. In my case it was exactly 4.6 quarts.


13. Start the car, let the oil work its way back through the valvebody by working the shifter through all gears several times.

Now go tear up the streets..... you will notice an immediate change in all around firmness from the minute you put it in gear for the first time. In normal day to day situations you will feel slight increase in firmness even in them most casual driving situations. Put the pedal to the metal and you feel a definite shove in the ass on the shift point..... and in my case; at full boost my 3-4 is now rock solid giving me the confidence I was looking for when I want to add a bit of spray onto this 625rwhp fire breathing stroker.

As a side note, Eddie was quick to point out the firmness will also be felt in the down shifts. I will say that I actually like the way you feel the downshifts more prominently but not annoying in any way. Its almost like it downshifts a bit sooner/aggressively like you would if you were manually downshifting. Bottom line: It passed the wife test with flying colors.

More to follow as I take it back to the track throwing everything (boost, meth, nitrous) I have at it.

[EXTREME]

Very nice write up!

[Redfox0099]

So given my tendency to add more to the mix, like a 200 shot of nitrous in an effort to run "The number",

What's the #?

[Adanac Charger]

Best of luck on 'the number'!!

[FlyByU]

The "number" is going to change everytime somebody gets a new number

[srt007]

sweet write up!! thanks this definately helps

[mikespy]

Bean to ya my lad. Great write up!!

[Alcharger]

Nice write up with great pics. I think I can handle this mod with your write up.

Thanks for taking the time writing this mod up.

Good luck making "the number"!

[dudeiwin86]

damn it...
another mod to tack on to the list.
ill be giving eddie a call later this year no doubt

[Trojan]

Great write up Chris! Good luck chasing down that "number".

[fltinstructor]

Bottom line: It passed the wife test with flying colors.

If she is already riding in this beast before with all that, this little ole mod shouldn't have been a problem at all.

Great write up. The measuring the fluid thing is one of those, why didn't I thnk of that moments.

[PaCharger]

Beans to you Chris. Great freaking write up. Those MB Solenoids must have a tad bigger hole/faster fill rate, right? Were you able to see the difference at all?

[1FST4DR]

Great write up! Let me ask you.Do you think there is a benifit to adding those to a stock tranny??

[CoolFlo]

John (8yourM5) installed them in his stock trans whiles hes waited for his BB tranny .. he posted similar feedback

[DodgeDude99]

are these solenoids just common MB or AMG parts?
(not trying to stiff SHR on a sale, but i have a friend that builds trannies that i can get parts cost thru)