"Vernon had developed a number of ideas for valve-body kits as well.  Vernon's modifications addressed some early aftermarket drivability problems with a number of automatic transmissions. He let us have his technical specs, and we were able to turn his ideas and procedures into a still-growing line of Superior Shift-Correction Packages.  We had the ability to manufacture aftermarket components that would result in the desired improvements.  Then, we packaged a specific set of components to address common complaints for a particular automatic transmission.   

"In the old 700, the 3-4 clutch burning up was the number one problem.  Rebuilds kept coming back under warranty with that clutch burned away.  Vernon changed the spring tension on 3-2 control valve and opened an exhaust hole.  This modification was the most-beneficial change that anyone had come up with at the time to keep that clutch alive.  The problem wasn't so much when the clutch was being applied as that it was in dragging on the release, creating friction and premature wear.  The calibration might have been fine coming off the assembly line, but with 150,000 miles on the unit it's a different story.  Making a few changes in calibration and giving the unit proper operating pressures can make all the difference in the world to a rebuilder's product.

"We've had a lot of ideas from Bill Sigsbee over the years, too.  Bill is the type of guy who eats, sleeps and drinks transmissions.  When his feet hit the floor in the morning he starts to think about them.  We incorporated a lot of his ideas into the line as well.  As we have grown we've been developing an ever larger network of shops and rebuilders that we talk with both for ideas and for feedback."

Over the years the Superior line has expanded to include 125 different kits, each designed to cure commonly encountered maladies found in rebuilding automatic transmissions.  Paul Erickson says the task of developing those fixes is an interesting process.

"I suppose the first step on the road to developing one of the kits comes when we hear the same concerns expressed about a specific transmission from several different people.  I'm working with probably 100 different shops and rebuilders on the phone all the time.  These are contacts that we've developed through the years, customers of ours, but each of these people has a reputation and a profitability interest in finding solutions that  will prevent warranty claims.  It's the mutual self-interest that keeps us all cooperating and working in the same direction. 




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