Swap Q TCU for fist gear start

[GTO-Jim]

I have a 91 Q. Can I swap my TCU for a TCU from a 93 Q to have the first gear start or am I asking for trouble?

Sorry if this have been covered before.

[PalmerWMD]

It has, but its ok, sometimes these kind of questions are not easy to dfind in search.

Yes many members have used the 93 TCU in an earlier Q and tend to like the result.

Apparently there are at least 2 part numbers for the 93 TCU's , one of which is a near perfect fit for an early Q, the other one makes for some minor drivability problems.

But all members who've done it were happy.

Fred..

PS: welcome to Nico!

[greg_atlanta]

Yes, it works fine. I have a '93 TCU in my '92 Q. The 1-2 shift will be kind of harsh for a while, but long term it's better for your transmission. Saves some wear and tear on 2nd gear.

You may hit the fuel cutoff at redline before the transmission shifts. Takes some getting used to.

[Q45tech]

Hit redline before shift because the transmission is old and worn out and takes longer to shift than the orginal oem design............where the backoff from redline shift rpm point is initiated electronically.

Just because the tcu commands a solenoid to close donest mean there is instantly enough pressure to overcome the interia and let the gears move......delayed long shift due to lower shift pressure [internal minor leaks].

If shifts take longer than 1.0 seconds not a good idea to push the transmission too frequently to demand such WOT shifts