Well, after picking up my '97 4unner in Amesbury, MA, I had to drive right past Import Performance Transmissions in Wood Ridge, NJ. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get my VB upgrade done, so I did. I can't tell you all how much this is crucial, as Gadget and others have always told us, the VB upgrade is when S/C'd. Even if you're not S/C'd, I recommend it.

It makes a huge difference! I can't wait to get the S/C on this one now that everything has been removed off the '98. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the firmest, shortest possible shifts, John at IPT, said he said mine was a 5 or so. Any firmer, and it would be annoying at easy throttle.

At any rate, here's the details. IPT charges $475 if you ship them your VB for the upgrade, plus shipping costs. That's $223 cheaper than Level 10. If you live close by to Wood Ridge, he'll do those too. While he was doing the VB, I was installing the tranny cooler. It was perfect!

There is a two main reasons I didn't go with Level 10, one being price, and the other being something I don't really prefer to mention publicly, but if if you are interested, feel free to email me at chrisrademacher@fastmail.fm or through the forum.

In addition, I told John I would probably pass the word along for those interested, and I'm thinking I could probably get a group buy going if there are those that are interested.

Chris