Downside to installing the Corvette Servo?

[Anthony]

Upsides/Downsides to installing the Corvette Servo

Hey guys,

Quick question: Is there any at ALL downsides to installing the Corvette Servo in my 04 Tahoe LT?

I know they can be purchased for under $20.

My step-dad who can install anything in cars said he can install one in less than 30 minutes, but doesn't understand why I would install a sports car Servo in a 4X4 SUV.

My reasoning is that it shifts from 1-2 better and I read online it actually makes the transmission not "slip", so it actually is better than stock for the Hoe.

His reasoning for not wanting to do it is: "GM pays allot of money to engineers to design/pick the best parts for their cars, and if the Corvette servo works better than what is in there, then they would of put it in there" and also added, "If you can show me it overall is better for the car I'll help you out and install it"

Soo, this is where you guys can help out haha:
List some positive reasons to install the Vette Servo and Please list any negatives too

Thanks in advance

---------- Post added at 10:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 AM ----------

**Reserved** (goin to add all info from forum here about servo for easy access)
So this will be updated:

]Servo Guide 101:

Where to order?: $15.99
http://www.oregonperformancetransmission.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_code=NTP-K51828C

How to install?:
http://www.gmfullsize.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98029&highlight=servo

Can I do it myself?
Can you work a screwdriver and a C-Clamp? If so, then yes. If you can change your oil or brakes, you can do this.

What tools will I need?
A few flathead screwdrivers (small and medium), a prybar, a drip pan, C-clamp, 10mm socket and ratchet, and a few rags.

Positive +:
-Helps firm up the shift points, for firmer shifts
-The 'Vette servo will only firm up the 1-2 shift.

Negative -:
-

 

[TheFuzz]

It's simple. While your stepdad is correct in that GM does a pretty damn good job overall in engineering their stuff, you have to remember that they make an awful lot of compromises in that process. To more specifically answer his question of "if it's so great why doesn't GM engineer it that way", thnk about this:

They engineer a certain degree of slippage into the 4L60E to keep things nice and smooth for the everyday joe who drives it around. They have to make it powerful enough to do what it needs to do while maintaining a certain level of comfort during every day driving. When you install a Corvette servo, you're eliminating some of that slippage, and hence some of the associated comfort. While it's actually BETTER for the transmission, you're making the truck shift harder - and not everyone likes harder shifting. GM has to make compromises like this to appeal to the widest range of customers possible. I'm running a corvette servo PLUS an extremely agressive high octane tune from BBP, and my truck shifts like Danica Patrick on the rag - with almost 107K on the clock, mind you - and my transmission is in EXCELLENT shape thus far.

 

[blueflamed03]

^^^ yup

 

[Anthony]

It's simple. While your stepdad is correct in that GM does a pretty damn good job overall in engineering their stuff, you have to remember that they make an awful lot of compromises in that process. To more specifically answer his question of "if it's so great why doesn't GM engineer it that way", thnk about this:

They engineer a certain degree of slippage into the 4L60E to keep things nice and smooth for the everyday joe who drives it around. They have to make it powerful enough to do what it needs to do while maintaining a certain level of comfort during every day driving. When you install a Corvette servo, you're eliminating some of that slippage, and hence some of the associated comfort. While it's actually BETTER for the transmission, you're making the truck shift harder - and not everyone likes harder shifting. GM has to make compromises like this to appeal to the widest range of customers possible. I'm running a corvette servo PLUS an extremely agressive high octane tune from BBP, and my truck shifts like Danica Patrick on the rag - with almost 107K on the clock, mind you - and my transmission is in EXCELLENT shape thus far.

Thanks, excellent post

I am just making sure though, No negatives to installing the 'vette servo? Well besides harder shifting and decreased comfort which some could view as an negative.

 

[TheFuzz]

Yes, I guess those would be the only "negatives", but those points are subjective.

There are no known reliability or longevity problems associated with installing a corvette servo, to the best of my knowledge. I've been around several of these forums long enough now...I think I would have seen SOMETHING if a transmission grenaded simply because of the servo - it just ain't gonna happen. It's a good modification.

 

[joes 00 Hoe]

I have never heard any negatives, but I haven't done it, so I can't speak from experience.

 

[Grocery Getter]

Tell ur pops to pipe down, crawl under your truck and install the thing yourself. It is really easy, it would take you an hour tops.........

 

[heftylefty58]

Interestingly, the ***** at my local AAMCO didn't even want to give me a freakin QUOTE for installing the vette servo I purchased from Oregon Performance.

I tried to enlighten and inform him that many of us do this modification to our 4L60E transmissions. Regardless, he insisted that the resulting shifts would be too hard, and emphasized it with a **** pounding of his fist into his hand. Shmuck.

 

[blueflamed03]

Interestingly, the ***** at my local AAMCO didn't even want to give me a freakin QUOTE for installing the vette servo I purchased from Oregon Performance.

I tried to enlighten and inform him that many of us do this modification to our 4L60E transmissions. Regardless, he insisted that the resulting shifts would be too hard, and emphasized it with a **** pounding of his fist into his hand. Shmuck.

this is why you find a tranny shop, not at Autozone type tranny shop.

 

[Tribalbreak]

install any different on the 4L80E for the nali's?

 

[withac]

It really isn't that hard of a shift. I put a 'Vette servo in my tranny when I had to have it rebuilt a year ago. I also put a Superior shift kit in it, didn't think I needed the kick of the Transgo kit. You can definitely tell the 1-2 shift is firmer, but it doesn't bang in gear. I also have a BB tune, nothing too aggressive, was going for more efficient performance but yeah, it is funner to drive now too. Anyway, it will firm it up but with all that it still doesn't knock me back in my seat. Go for it.

 

[thejstar]

my diablo tuner offers shift firmness and quickness adjustments, any suggestions or experience with these adjustments to guide me to a decent shift improvement? or should i forego the "software" shift manipulation and go with the aforementioned servo?

 

[TheFuzz]

install any different on the 4L80E for the nali's?

Denalis don't come with the 4L80E to the best of my knowledge, I'm pretty sure they have the same 4L60E as the rest of the line. The 4L65E at the most.

To answer your question, yes, the vette servo will fit. The 60E and 65E are pretty much identical except for some beefier internals.

 

[lilsolo68]

my diablo tuner offers shift firmness and quickness adjustments, any suggestions or experience with these adjustments to guide me to a decent shift improvement? or should i forego the "software" shift manipulation and go with the aforementioned servo?

^^^ x2, my superchips flashpaq has the shift firmness and shift pressure settings also.

 

[05Yukon]

Denalis don't come with the 4L80E to the best of my knowledge, I'm pretty sure they have the same 4L60E as the rest of the line. The 4L65E at the most.

To answer your question, yes, the vette servo will fit. The 60E and 65E are pretty much identical except for some beefier internals.

Correct all half tons come with a version of the 4l60e. Denalis and Escalades come with 4l65e which is a little bit stronger internally. The vortec Max trucks come with a 4l70e which is even stronger but they are all the same case just different internals.

 

[heftylefty58]

install any different on the nali's?

Take a look at your heat shield. If it's connected to your exhaust hangers (like mine is), then let's just say it'll probably add some time to your project.

...I've heard it took one guy twice as long to pull the shield and reinstall it than it did to change the servo. (He also has a 2003 Yukon Denali.)

 

[Tribalbreak]

sweeeeet... just what i wanted to here... more work for me haha... well i appreciate that you guys set me straight on what tranny i had... thanks guys

 

[wmgood64]

nice write up yuke!!!!

 

[blueflamed03]

Correct all half tons come with a version of the 4l60e. Denalis and Escalades come with 4l65e which is a little bit stronger internally. The vortec Max trucks come with a 4l70e which is even stronger but they are all the same case just different internals.

slight correction, 4L80e.

 

[Max]

lol @ shifts like danica patrick on the rag. 4L65Es come with a 5 pinion planetary but they're still aluminum piles of crap for anything 100+hp over stock. Awd helps on these trucks too. I've been camping on my vette servo for a minute, keep forgetting to borrow the install tool from my buddy at the dealer. I've never heard of any adverse effects from installing the servo tho.