Can someone please describe the WOT 1-2 shift with a B&G Stage II?

[dodgeboy]

I just installed the B&G Stage II in my SRT8 tonight. I noticed some significant pinging, so I dumped a bottle of Lucas Oil octane booster in the tank and did a bit of driving. I was very light on the pedal until the pinging stopped (about 5 miles later). I did two WOT runs to 60 or so and noticed a definitely difference in the 1-2 shift. However, it didn't feel like I expected it to. I expected a violently harsh shift (built Torqueflite style) based on some of the impressions I've read. It was obvious that there was no throttle management during the shift (good!), but the shift felt more gradual than the stock setup. I'm sure it'll reduce the 1/4 times because there's no throttle management, but I expected a firmer shift. Is this on-par with what others have observed? Or do I have some internal transmission slippage? With only 8000 miles on the car, I can't imagine the tranny is slipping. There's a remote possibility that I was experiencing wheelspin, but there was no indication of it (no tail whip, no tire noise, etc.).

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Dave

[OMSRT8]

Originally Posted by dodgeboy

I just installed the B&G Stage II in my SRT8 tonight. I noticed some significant pinging, so I dumped a bottle of Lucas Oil octane booster in the tank and did a bit of driving. I was very light on the pedal until the pinging stopped (about 5 miles later). I did two WOT runs to 60 or so and noticed a definitely difference in the 1-2 shift. However, it didn't feel like I expected it to. I expected a violently harsh shift (built Torqueflite style) based on some of the impressions I've read. It was obvious that there was no throttle management during the shift (good!), but the shift felt more gradual than the stock setup. I'm sure it'll reduce the 1/4 times because there's no throttle management, but I expected a firmer shift. Is this on-par with what others have observed? Or do I have some internal transmission slippage? With only 8000 miles on the car, I can't imagine the tranny is slipping. There's a remote possibility that I was experiencing wheelspin, but there was no indication of it (no tail whip, no tire noise, etc.).

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Dave

Dave:

Mine shifts exactly as you describe it. I have had my B&G Stage II for two weeks and I have 3000 miles on the car (probably 300-400 since I put the PCM in). I was expecting a much firmer shift and the shift with the B&G is actually smoother than stock. It kind of "slides" right into 2nd. This is sort of different than what I have read from others who have the B&G PCM. I have read that the PCM will break in and change over time but I am not sure that the 1-2 shift will get firmer. I have not experienced any ping yet. I have been using 94 octane gas for the past month. I do not know when I will get back to the track. Let me know if the B&G reduces your 1/4 times.

I would be interested to hear from others as well.

Sam

[Outlaw Throttle Jockey]

I experienced the same pinging problem, but as far as the shift I would have to say mine shifted SLIGHTLY harder (or crisper), but not much different at all from the stock setting. It's not as if you put a new torque convertor in the car. I think expecting a real hard shift from a computer Flash is a bit too much expectation.

[dodgeboy]

I drove it a bit more tonight, and got a few more WOT runs through the 1-2 shift. The tires are spinning (at least slightly). I was able to hear them squeal on black top. The damn RS-As make almost no noise at all when spinning, so it was hard to detect. I'm surprised it's not kicking to the side. Maybe only one of them is spinning?

I want to make it clear that I'm in no way considering this a problem... It's just different than I expected based on the reviews I had read. The fact that it doesn't throttle back during the shift is fantastic. I'm glad it doesn't shift much firmer than this, or it'd be sure to break the tires loose big time. I just wanted to make sure my trans wasn't slipping.

I'm glad to hear that others are having the same experience... makes me feel like mine is normal. Having never ridden in a B&G Stage II SRT8, I didn't know what to expect. Thanks guys!

Also, the pinging is not gone... It's significant better, but I still notice it if I toe into the throttle rapidly. After 20 miles on the freeway, it seems to be better. I'm hoping it will learn the timing curve over the next few hundred miles.

Dave

[stevesrt8]

give it some time, this too shall pass (pinging).

Now get rid of those crap RSA's and feel the car hook up!

[Rebel78]

I'm thinking of getting the flash as well.

Is it better to just go ahead and put a bottle of octane boost in there with it on the first tank? I live in AZ, and all I can gt is 91 pump gas.

[Outlaw Throttle Jockey]

Originally Posted by Rebel78

I'm thinking of getting the flash as well.

Is it better to just go ahead and put a bottle of octane boost in there with it on the first tank? I live in AZ, and all I can gt is 91 pump gas.

I also live in AZ and figured it was that 91 octance causing the pinging problem as well. Just yesterday I filled up my 3rd tank full since installing the B&G Stage II Flash and this time didn't put octane boost in. I have zero pinging. I belive it was more the car learning the new Flash then the gas octane.