smallcar shift kit report

[Landshark]

i don't know if any one else has done it, but i'm happy to report that my OBDII-equipped SVX has no CEL (initally or otherwise) after installing my shift kit.

i like it so far, but i only gave it a quick drive around the block, so i didn't get through all the gears - but i tried.

i'll give it a good thrashing tomorrow and report back.

[newsvx]

Alan,
I too just installed the shift kit. I have only driven it once since, but it does seem to have a more positive shift now between gears. I plan to test it a bit more tomorrow.

BTW, thanks again to Earl and Matt on keeping / getting me straight on the installation. I had a bad mental block. Okay, call it what it was - I had a brain fart in understanding the instructions .
Harry

[ensteele]

I am glad to hear you got it installed.

[WestCoastSVX]

Hmmmmm Haven't heard anything about the smallcar shift kit in a while. Last I remember (although I'm sure I've missed some threads) was when Brian was selling them, but the CE lights were coming on for the old cars and the newer ones. At that time, members kept telling him different solutions and changes to make, and I think he kept doing them.

So are the kits recommended now? Work good for 92's?

[nordique14]

I have one of the "old" kits that caused the power light to blink (on the 92-95) and the CE light to come on in the ODBII equiped cars. Using a resistor and some help from Jim Scott and lots of other people here on the network, I got it working as advertized. The "new" version has the resistor built in and from what I've heard from people who have installed it, there are no warning light problems. The Small Car installation instructions are poor, so if anyone does intend to install one do a search of all the posts. Also, feel free to PM for some help.

Matt

[WestCoastSVX]

Sounds like we need to write up a decent how-to for the kit (although good instructions would be nice if a product is sold ).

So is the kit worth it?

Hey Matt, I was wondering how the seats went, and just saw the pics in your locker.... Looks great! I see you wrote a how-to, or there is a link to it in your locker but it doesn't work. Anyway, looks like you did a great job!

I ordered a shift kit, 6 weeks ago..its still not here....

I emailed them, but, no reply....heh...so im waiting for it to show up someday...

[ensteele]

You will probably get it when they finish my transmission job that cost me $4,000.00. Don't hold you breath!

4k...damn dude....

Its ok, im savin my pennies for new car ne how...svx is daily driver beast..

[Landshark]

the instructions are good and correct, but a picture is worth a thousand words.


other notes:

-used a butt-connector and another short length of wire to make the wire going to the 'resistor connector' a little longer, and easier to work with.

-used small tie straps to secure the vacuum tubes.

-put flex tubing around the vacuum tubing to prevent heat damage to it

-read instructions thoroughly and 'lay everything out' before making cuts and connections so you know how stuff will be routed

hope that helps!

[Landshark]

i would like to add that i did the above diagram after downing a mug of Thera-Flu. i'm sick and a little spacey right now, so feel free to add any comments and/or corrections if i made a mistake.

[nordique14]

Nice diagram. I wish I had it when I put mine in. I would make one addition. There are two wires one green/yellow and one green/red. Trevor recommended cutting the green/yellow. He's no longer visiting the site, so I can't ask him why, but I would go with his advice and cut the green/yellow one (just to be safe).

Troy, the seats turned out great. A document on the seat cover installation is the How-to locker. Thanks for your help. The first round is on me when we I see you in Reno.

Cheers,
Matt

[immortal_suby]

I threw a couple pics into my locker of the shift kit wiring.

I still love it - 2nd best mod for the svx (behind the ECU crush mod)

[newsvx]

Originally posted by Landshark
the instructions are good and correct, but a picture is worth a thousand words.


other notes:

-used a butt-connector and another short length of wire to make the wire going to the 'resistor connector' a little longer, and easier to work with.

-used small tie straps to secure the vacuum tubes.

-put flex tubing around the vacuum tubing to prevent heat damage to it

-read instructions thoroughly and 'lay everything out' before making cuts and connections so you know how stuff will be routed

hope that helps!

Great instructions, Alan. I, like Matt, wish I had had them sent with the kit (there were no instructions at all and I never heard back from an e-mail I sent asking for them). Matt (the "other" Matt) and Earl helped a great deal and kept me from cutting both wires. Earl gave me the web site for the instructions - but it would have been super if they had your picture in them. I still don't know why SmallCar didn't send at least the web site (it is their web site). BTW, for those interested, it is the following: >www.smallcar.com/svx/tskinstructions.htm<. And Matt (immortal_suby) also sent me a pic of the install of the switch. Thanks again, Earl and Matt!
And I had the opportunity to really check it out today. I am impressed. The shifts are much crisper and there are no warning lights of any kind on my '97 model. BTW, I didn't see Trever's comment about a particular wire. I cut the "green and red" wire, not the "green and yellow". I might go back and redo it cutting the "green and yellow" one if I have the time and see if there is a difference. Also, the Small Car switch does now have a diode between the terminals - I guess that solve the original problems. I have also wrapped the switch / connectors with electrical tape as Matt did.

Anyway, sign me up as a supporter of the Small Car kit (with reservations about them NOT snding instructions). BTW, I received mine within five days (ordered over the web). I would recommend this kit. The trans definitely does not "slide" into gear now under hard accelleration.
Harry

[immortal_suby]

It gets better - wait until you start adjusting it. I ended up going all the way tight on the allen screw then backing off about 1 turn. Very hard shifts. I love it.