By
Todd Silvey July 02, 2018With the introduction of electronic controls into the vehicles of today, the latest generation of automatic transmissions by automakers has “old school” automatics slowly going by the wayside. Automatics were once generally controlled by hydraulic valve bodies and Throttle Valve (TV) cables. Today, the electronically-controlled transmission uses solenoids to command the hydraulics, resulting in more efficient clutch and band engagement.The electronic transmission control works in unison with vehicle sensor inputs to upshift, downshift and lock the torque converter. This offers greater refinement in operation than a standard automatic transmission once had and increases driveability and performance.With these improvements in function, the next feat of taking these transmissions into a performance application meant revising the electronic controls instead of modifying old hydraulic valve bodies.
Baumann Controls has developed stand-alone electronic control systems with OEM-level shift quality, along with exclusive performance features for many of these popular electronic transmissions.
With just a few hours of work by following concise instructions, this Ford Lightning will have far greater control of the transmission “tune.”
“The US Shift transmission control system can interface with any OEM or aftermarket engine induction system, including carbureted and diesel. Alternatively, the stand-alone design allows for late model transmissions to be transplanted into everything from racecars to street rods and truck applications,” says Jake Chandler from Baumann Electronic Controls, developer of the US Shift product line.Three controller options are available. The US Shift Quick 2 and Quick 4 controllers interface with General Motors 4L60E, 4L65E, and 4L70E group of transmissions. Also applicable are the GM 4L80E and 4L85E group, the Ford AOD-E, 4R70W (wide ratio AOD-E), and 4R75 transmission lines. The Ford E4OD and 4R100 diesel transmission applications can be used with these controllers, as well. Many of these transmission models are gaining popularity for their physical strength within performance applications as much as for their 4-speed and overdrive advantages.
US Shift's quick series of stand-alone transmission control systems feature a compact control unit that mates to your specific transmission via their supplied harness.The primary difference between the Quick 2 and Quick 4 controllers can be seen in their option packages. The Quick 2 is a basic controller for those needing simple and straightforward transmission control. Some enhanced tuning options are available with or without a laptop or personal computer.