On this 4L80E example, the US Shift harness takes the place of the OEM speed sensors and main solenoid harness connector. In the replacement of a factory control system, power supply and ground are carefully spliced into the OEM wiring harness as near to the factory ECU as possible.For late model hot rods, the US Shift systems work passively with your car or truck’s engine control unit (ECU). In the installation of the control box, splicing three circuits into the existing ECU power, ground, and throttle position sensor (TPS) wiring is the only hardwire process needed. For example, with a GM 4L80E and 4L85E transmission, the connection process is completed by replacing the harness-style connectors from the transmission speed sensors and the main transmission solenoid harness connector.“On an electronically fuel injected vehicle, we do recommend that all of these spliced connections be as close to the ECU as possible,” Chandler continues. “Use the proper solder and heat shrink automotive method for splicing. That is the only difficult part of the installation process if you want to call it that.”These controllers are also popular when mated to carbureted and diesel applications. In this function, the US Shift controller needs the input from an add-on throttle position sensor unit also available from Baumann Electronic Controls.The main transmission solenoid harness from your new US Shift controller not only controls the transmission solenoids, but it also receives additional data from your transmission to work in symphony with the spliced power and TPS sensors.
It is reasonably easy to find a mounting location for the small controller. Under the dashboard or inside of the glove box are two popular options, as long as you have easy access to the USB computer port.
When the US Shift team presents the Quick 2, 4, and 6 products to a performance/racing enthusiast, much time is invested in explaining the advantages of their control systems compared to other, more complex designs.“A transmission control system has always been looked at as intimidating. We’ve taken so much of the installation and operation complexity out of our controls that anyone can install and operate it,” Chandler says. “You can make multiple tuning changes right from a three-digit readout and configuration knob on the controller box itself. You rotate the knob to select various menu items, then click or double-click down on the knob to choose a selection or make changes.”The latest US Shift tuning software also allows you to plug various versions of Windows into the controller via a USB cable. The graphic readout replaces the use of the configuration knob. A simple graph window shows all current shift points, line pressures, and up-down shift speeds. Any changes to these parameters are made by simply dragging these points on the graph.