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Pressure Regulator & Boost Valve basics, From a Sonnax Tech article.


Raising line pressure is typically done by using a stronger pressure regulator spring, installing a larger boost valve or doing both.

A stronger spring and larger boost valve will both increase pressure, just not in the same way, so it's important to understand the differences before making any changes.

Stronger springs have a "linear" effect on pressure. This means you get the same amount of pressure increase at the low and high ends of the pressure range.

While a stronger pressure regulator spring will raise line pressure, there is a limit to how much you can get away with before troubles surface. A significant pressure increase that tightens upshifts under heavy load can be too much of an increase when shifting into reverse in the garage. This increase also puts extra load on the pump at idle and can result in the TCC clutch dragging due to reduced cooler flow.

Larger boost valves have a "progressive" effect on pressure: they change the rate of pressure increase. Using larger boost valves, it's possible to have a very small pressure increase at the low end of the pressure range and a far greater increase at the high end. This creates an ideal situation: smooth engagements and lower load on the pump at idle, plus a greater increase in pressure as the transmission is worked harder. The significance of changing the rate of pressure increase with larger valves – rather than simply increasing pressure by the same amount with springs – is that higher pressure is created when it is needed most.