whats the difference between a shift kit and getting a tuner besides money?

 

A shift kit requires disassembly of the valvebody in the transmission, only to be done by someone who knows what they are doing, the tuner is just a reprogram and can be done by most anyone, unless you are going custom then its good to have someone who is familiar with the parameters.

 

With a tuner the transmission is altered by way of the computer.

the shift kit replaces some stock parts with stronger aftermarket parts. The shift kit will strengthen your tranny, making it last longer.