I didn't do all the in depth research Exagorazo did, but here are the options I've found:

SGP racing auto trans for $3250
Speed Force has one, I'm sure Tim, Kamal, or Tinman could jump in and tell you all about the AT package they have.
Level 10 transmission stuff. . .

Valve bodies (might be distrubutors, of the same ones), at least the ones I know of:

SGP again for $1000
Forged internals which might be a distributor, I don't know ($800)
Level 10 for $800
Stillen for $700.

After looking at the shop manual, I think it wouldn't be the hardest thing in the world to do a valve body swap, if you are cautious.

Golly gee willikers, I really want to FI my car now. . .c'mon lotto!

-drew

sorry for the thread hijack. . .

 

I love informative threads like this...keep the info coming...and Thanks all for your $.02

 

Yep that is what I heard not only from SGP but from all the shops I have called about this upgrade, I just don't go around making this stuff up as some people may think. This is not aimed at you Xman

 

Actually,

SGP web site says VB upgrade generate Heat

Level 10 website says VB upgrade reduce heat

They are controdicting each other, I am confused & doubting the real value
of the Mod. There is not a easy way to measure the results, can't measure
it except rely on "feel", which is in teh same class as "Butt Dyno"

 

Here's my take on this. Level 10 specializes in performance transmissions with a major emphasis on Nissan. They have been around for awhile and have overall maintained a very good web reputation. This latter point is much more important to me than one or two guys on a forum saying something like, "Yeah, well I heard their tranny for a 1500HP Supra failed!" And perhaps most important of all, I have never heard them bad-mouth anyone.

Secondly, it is my understanding (from a source I trust) that SGP farms out their tranny work, but am reluctant to say so because I don't know it for fact. But I am pretty sure that they are rather new in the "tranny business" however that's defined and since this matter of a performance or bullet-proof tranny is operating on the edge, I for one will go with experience.

Now if you're talkin' engines, SGP would be the place where I would start because that's their specialty, they have lots of experience and have earned a great engine reputation.

A VB upgrade is not subjective whether a person understands it or not. A VB upgrade that boosts pressures, reduces slippage and shortens shift time cannot but help the service life and power handling capability of an automatic transmission.

 

My choice at this point is Level10 as well. Besides what you listed, I have theses additional reasons:

1, I've seen several bad post about them on this forum, but none are just VB jobs.

2, They have the "Core" program, that's a big deal, becuase I can't afford down 1-2 weeks with my daily driver or risk VB lost of VB upgrade gone wrong. Core program alows install & try it out before sending your OEM VB, I think all VB vendors should do it via Core program.

3, SGP may handle more HP or T. but I don't need it, with modest HKS S/C.

However, I am trying to figure out if I should do VB at all.

1, VB upgrade loose Waranty for Tranny
2, I am not sure their Core is from 05 G35x or other older model 5AT, it'll be a risk if not all 5At Tranny are exactly the same, I heard 04.5 Tranny has been upgraded to handle more HP, but still can't find any one knows about the details.

3, The VB upgrade ups the line pressure (Level10 does not do solonoid, they change the springs only, SGP does springs & solonoid), the OEM Repair Manual for 5At sedan tranny section says:"TCM up adjust Tranny Line Pressure according to Torque sent from Engine to adjust shift speed" , so I am wondering if VB is stil necessar for 05 models? There also a old post (may be on my 350Z.com), some one says there may be a switch to up the line pressure on the car already.

I need to hear more from 05 5AT folks, any body got some experience on 05 5AT? Please step forward! Most people with VB experence are 04/03.

 

Curious about some of this discussion
A TC should increase heat,slippage,but I know of no reason a VB should.
The FX actually had a delay box which I had removed
My complete rebuild is done and as soon as it drys around here I will test it,25% more friction area and better friction material,shifts are a bit firmer and quicker than before,expected,I could shift 100rpm under and not bump.Wotting at mid throttle is much stronger
Love to get a grouding kit
I have mentioned before about the ECU dropping cyclinders on shifts and backing out timing to reduce torque to protect the trans..you will need a lot of power to hurt our AT

 

Im not sure on this , but I believe Stillen uses Level Ten to do thier VB . If you do a little research and searching on the forums . You probably would find posts from people that have said that Level Ten and Stillens VB's didnt make hardly any difference on how the tranny shifted .
Yes...SGP does or did send there VB out [ may do them now ] But I can tell you that the SGP and ForgedPerformances VB's WILL shift hard and fast . I havent been back to the track since I have had mine [ SGP's ] but Im sure it will help greatly on times and trap speed .

 

booger I am in the process of installing the VB from Sharif, I have heard you can actually tell the difference between theirs and Stillens, probabaly because it is set up more aggresively.

 

Level 10 does not currently do the Stillen VB...There was an historic relationship betwenn the 2 but not current,for over several years

 

05 5At with VB upgrade step forward please.

 

SGP sends out the VB plates to be machined to accommodate the larger solenoids. That's all I know. Other than that it's all home grown as far as I know. Ask Mark at SGP. Level ten is great. I've heard it from many other import owners. For some reason they've gotten a bad rap on my350z.com for what I sense as customer relations.

 

Anyone still here after 6 years? seems like Im late to the party getting a SC hahaha

 

Holy resurrected threads, Batman! lol

 

Ah yes sgp. funny to look back at this now knowing how that ended up.