Technology can be a double-edged sword. It can make something better or worse, depending on the situation. However, regarding the automotive aftermarket, technology usually makes something good even better. Modern transmissions are an excellent example.

In years past, the only transmissions available were two- and three-speeds, even though General Motors mass-produced the four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. This was the first mass-produced automatic transmission for passenger cars in 1939. However, I digress. The GM two- and three-speeds from the 1950s and ’60s stayed the same for years with few advances. Later, manufacturers figured out how to stuff more gearsets in the transmission cases along with lock-up torque converters. These two technologies have single-handedly revolutionized the automotive industry with better performance, dependability, and miles per gallon.

That’s right, not one, but two stickers!

So, if you have a classic car, how do you get a modern electronically shifted transmission to work in your classic? US Shift makes installing a modern four-speed transmission in any hotrod easy with its Gen 2 Quick 4 transmission controller. But it’s not just for hotrods and classics; this unit can also enhance a modern vehicle’s performance by assuming control from the OEM computer, enabling direct adjustment of shift points, firmness, torque converter engagement, and more.

Why & How We Installed One

We recently LS-swapped one of our vehicles, Project ODB (Old Dirty B-Body), and utilized a standalone engine management system to control the late-model engine. However, the ECU we chose did not support a modern electronic transmission. So, we decided to try the Gen 2 Quick 4 transmission controller with a GM 4L60E transmission. And before we get blasted by those who are not fans of the infamous 4L60E, the Quick 4 will also support the much more robust 4L80E.

The Quick 4 is loaded with features and tunability. It can even be used with fuel-injected or carbureted powerplants, making it a true standalone transmission solution. So, if you’re happy with your mechanical antiquated fueling but want an upgrade on the transmission side, this unit is for you.

When it comes time to order, US Shift makes ordering easy with its Quick 4 Kit Builder. You will answer a few questions online with guidance from the website, and when you hit finish, the site will tell you which unit you need. For this project, we ordered the Quick 4 standalone transmission controller set up for a 4L60E and the company’s high-temperature split loom option to protect the wires’ We also grabbed the pin removal tool. The pin removal tool is great because it will allow us to unpin the connector if we decide to route the wires through the firewall, which would keep us from putting a massive hole in the car for the connector.

As we all know, it’s not about the size of the package, but how you use it and US Shift uses its technology efficiently.

Once we received the Quick 4 controller, we immediately opened the package to inspect the unit. The Quick 4’s housing is compact, allowing you to mount it virtually anywhere. But don’t let the small package fool you; it’s packed with technology. The redesigned Gen2 controllers feature a new circuit board that is more power efficient and runs cooler, improving reliability thanks to advanced thermal management. Additional protection circuitry prevents damage to the controller that could result from accidental miss-wiring.

The Quick 4 houses a high-temperature-rated EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) with error correction that has been added for storing critical data, such as tunes, settings, and learned data. It’s rated to maintain data integrity for at least 200 years, which means it will outlast our 4L60E transmission. Firmware is stored in newly enhanced flash memory that incorporates error correction code technology. As with previous controllers, constant power is unnecessary to maintain saved data, ensuring that power loss does not erase settings and the battery doesn’t drain during long storage periods.

The OLED user interface display is another feature that stands out on the Gen 2. It lights up bright enough to be seen in daylight and retains excellent contrast. The OLED display also features a wide viewing angle, making it ideal for mounting below or to the side of the driver position. It has a much wider temperature range than standard LCD displays, meaning it will continue to function whether cruising in the Texas heat or the Rockies in the dead of winter.

Not only does the LCD show any errors, but the wiring is all labeled. Which adds an extra layer of ease of use.

If you’re looking for a larger display, US Shift offers a remote display system, too. This unit has all of the features of the standard Quick 4 but gives you an OLED display, which is 33 percent bigger than the standard internal display. The Quick 4 remote display, paired with a remote display controller, enables you to monitor and control your system from a convenient location, eliminating the need to install the controller in a visible spot. While we like this new unit, we decided the standard Quick 4 was fine for what we needed. For those of you who might already have the standard Quick 4 and want to upgrade to the remote display, you can not integrate the two due to hardware differences. However, existing customers can upgrade to the remote display version through a cost-effective program.

When we set out to redesign the Quick lineup, we didn’t just want to give it a simple iterative refresh. We went back to the drawing board for a complete overhaul and the resulting new design has improved each controller’s functionality, ease of use, power efficiency, diagnostic abilities, and more.

Installing the Quick 4 is a relatively simple process. First, we found a location to mount the box that would be convenient yet out of sight. We decided the glove box was the perfect place in which to tuck the box. We used two-sided 3M tape to secure the unit. Another nice feature of the Quick 4 is that all of the wires are labeled. And even though the instructions are really good, it was nice to be able to glance at the wires during the installation and see what they were for, like TPS, positive, ground, etc.

The compact size makes for one of the cleanest installs for something that carries a big punch.

After we wired up the unit and plugged in the transmission harness, using the user interface was a snap. The home screen gives real-time info on things like Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low, currently-commanded gear, speed, configuration table in use, and any fault codes that may appear. To access the main menu, turn the knob, and it will instantly appear. The menus and functions have been carefully crafted to be easily understood and modified. Most adjustments can be made using a computer with Shiftware software but can also be made from the built-in user interface. Examples include adjusting shift timing, shift firmness, torque converter clutch engagement, switching calibration tables, and adjusting the speed sensor settings, to name a few.

The Quick features comprehensive diagnostic tools. Each solenoid output is monitored, and error messages are more specific, directly directing the user to the problem. Advanced diagnostics data can be accessed directly through the menu instead of having to connect the controller to a PC. These advancements make installation and troubleshooting simple.

Hitting the Road

With the Quick 4 US Shift controller installed, it was time to hit the road. We noticed right away that the unit provided smooth and precise shifting. The 4L60E felt responsive during gear changes, allowing for quick acceleration and improved overall control. And if you don’t like the setting, the Quick 4 will enable you to fine-tune the shift points and firmness of the gear changes to adjust to your driving style.

The US Shift Quick 4 Gen2 Standalone Transmission Control System supports several popular transmissions, including GM 4L60E, 4L65E, and 4L70E (2008-and-earlier only); GM 4L80E and 4L85E; Ford AODE, 4R70W (wide ratio AODE), and 4R75; and Ford E4OD and 4R100. The company also has the Quick 6, which, you guessed it, controls six-speed transmissions as well. However, it only supports Ford’s 6R80.

If you want to increase the efficiency and drivability of your hot rod or classic car with a modern electronic transmission, the Quick 4 is just the ticket. The unit is the perfect solution to blend new and old technology for more efficiency and improved smiles per gallon.