I just bought my first Super Duty about a month ago, and the soft, drawn out shifting of the transmission was starting to get on my nerves and making me nervous as well, since it has a tuner. After doing some lurking and searching here on FTE I decided to go with the Factory Tech valve body to fix the problem. I installed it last weekend and I am highly impressed with how works. And this is a big one...the instructions on how to install it were complete and detailed, which I'm finding anymore seems to be a rarity. The shifts are really fast and positive now, but not overly abrupt. It was pretty easy to install, all that is really needed is a in./lb. torque wrench and a socket set.
Things did get interesting though when I was cycling all of the old ATF out per this write up here
I found that it would be a good idea to plug the port that the return line threads into because a s**t load of fluid came out unbeknownst to me while I started to pump it out with the engine running. My ziploc bag held onto the port with a zip-ty didn't cut it, lol. It was only there for "splash prevention" anyways.
I just wanted to post an opinion for anyone else down line the line who is looking at any of the options out there that will improve shift characteristics.
I probably should mention that the truck is a 03 F250,7.3 with the 4R100 tranny.

 

I put the 2c model in mine shortly after in came in , awesome upgrade!
chickenears was the cheapest , and when I bought mine I told them I wanted to keep my original valve body ,they said that would be ok ! , since the truck was new , they no longer will let you do that without paying the core charge.

 

Orange FJ ,Could you elaborate a little on what is involver in replc'g the valve body . I've done this on GM 700r4 tranny's & it's a bit of a chore on your back under the vehicle in the driveway .
Thank You . Warren

 

Have a look at this. http://guzzle.rbmicro.com/bts.html Lots of people use the BTS-VB. Great shifting and keeps the trans cooler.

Also look in the 7.3 fourm lots of info in there, and the people are as good as here.

Edit: Welcome to FTE.

 

Millerfeed , Thanks for the lead to Guzzle's great pictorial . What price range is the valve body in . I may get one for my 01 , V10 X 4x4 .

 

I don't remember exactly, but $250.00, plus $150.00 core. Send your old vb back and get a refund on core. Really helped the shifting for the power I now have. And will keep the trans cooler. Not to mention make the trans last longer.

EDIT: Using the instructions, it was a breeze to install. Just dirty.

 

There is also the CoonHunterJoe mod to the stock valve body to get quicker shifts. The mod involves drilling three holes in the stock valve body and reinstalling it. This is perfect for cheapskates like me.

I'll try to find CoonHunterJoe's thread and post a link.

 

I installed Factory Tech VB in my 4R100 and could not be any more impressed. Shifts are precise, but not over firm and I no more slippage in 2-3 and 3-4 when the DP tuner is cranked up.

Price was a little less than BTS and no core charge, unless you drag your feet more than 30 days. I would have no problem going with the BTS. Their success is well documented on this and other forums. However, I came across an acticle from Greg Evans (Factory Tech) about how to properly mod a 4R100 . After reading it I was sold...

 

I think you would be fine with factory tech,bts,or john wood valve bodies

factory tech does say they start with a new ford valve body hence I don't understand the core charge

 

Ford most likely charges them a core charge that they get refunded when ford gets your valve body.

I too have the FTVB, and I love it.

 

ford don't charge for cores on new parts

 

mine was a brand new piece , Gregg Evans is great to deal with if you ever have a problem !

 

I have a wholesale acct with a local dealer, and I have been gigged core charges several times. The last one I remember was $200 for my cluster, and I believe I had 100-$120 for my VSM.

 

what might I pay for a Factory Tech VB, or BTS VB? and it's just the front VB that gets replaced, correct?

Nevermind, saw the previous posts I'm a dork .