I just installed most of a TRANSGO shift kit in my A518 automatic transmission. I say most because there are still a few parts to install that require removal of the transmission which will happen when I remove it to install the new Hughes torque converter that’s on order.

I also ordered a new valve body separator plate with the intent of installing it at the same time as the shift kit. The problem that I’m having is that the plate is intended for transmissions that don’t have a boost tube ( a small aluminum tube on the exterior of the valve body), but mine does. The plates that are designed for transmissions with boost tubes indicate that they are for vehicles ’95 and newer vehicles. Nothing I’ve read indicates that transmissions had boost tubes in the ’93 model year.

Does anyone know what the boost tube does? Is it only used on newer lock-up transmissions? Although it’s possible that the transmission/valve body may have been swapped before I bought the truck, it looks pretty unmolested with the only obvious change was the addition of a temp gauge.

I’d like to get this figured out soon so that I can be sure that I ordered the correct torque converter (non lock-up) and that I get the correct VB separator plate.

 

As in lockup converter?

How do I tell if I have a lockup converter without pulling the transmission? I certainly don't feel it going into lockup like my Chevy...

 

Mine didn't have a boost tube

Got a tach? I would think you'd feel the lockup, but a tach would tell you for sure. Maybe you have the rare 1st gen/A618 combo?

 

I don't feel or see (on the tach) the lockup. Is there a deffinative way to distinguish the 518 from the 618 without removing them?IS there a connector with more pins, etc.?

 

How many solenoids did you find on the valve body? If there was only one, it is not a lockup.

 

Only one solenoid...must be a 518.