Coan Automatic Transmission Shift Solenoid
Coan Engineering Automatic Transmission Shift Solenoids
When it comes to race-ready automatic transmission components, few names carry as much weight as Coan Engineering. Founded in 1976 by Dave Coan in a small Kokomo, Indiana garage, the company grew from a two-man drag racing operation into one of the most respected transmission and drivetrain manufacturers in the performance aftermarket. That same engineering DNA is present in every shift solenoid Coan produces today.
Shift solenoids are a critical link in the chain of any automatic transmission's hydraulic control system. These electro-mechanical valves open and close hydraulic circuits on command, directing pressurized fluid to engage clutches and bands that actually execute each gear change. In a high-performance or racing context — where milliseconds and consistency matter — the quality and reliability of that solenoid can mean the difference between a clean pass and a costly mechanical failure.
Coan's involvement with transmission solenoids is deeply rooted in its pioneering history. Coan Engineering played a major role in introducing the first transbrakes for the Powerglide, TH400, and TH350 transmissions — now a standard throughout the industry. The transbrake solenoid at the heart of that system is one of the most demanding shift-control applications in motorsport, locking the transmission simultaneously in first and reverse to allow the engine to build full power before the launch. It is precisely this heritage that informs the durability and precision Coan brings to its automatic transmission shift solenoid offerings.
Coan's shift solenoid products — such as the well-regarded TH400 transbrake solenoid (part of the COA-22040 lineup) — are designed to integrate directly into Coan's full manual valve body systems. Wiring is straightforward: the solenoid is triggered by a momentary switch on the shifter, receives 12-volt power, and requires only a clean chassis ground, making installation accessible for both experienced builders and serious enthusiasts. The solenoid is active only in first gear, providing an important safety boundary during staging.
What sets Coan apart from generic replacement solenoid suppliers is the full-system context in which these parts are developed. Coan Engineering manufactures its own input shafts, output shafts, planetary gear sets, and every other internal transmission component in-house at its 45,000 square foot facility. That means shift solenoids are engineered and validated alongside the exact valve bodies, clutch packs, and hydraulic circuits they will control — not designed in isolation and hoped to fit. All products are subjected to strict testing procedures to verify they meet or exceed performance specifications.
- Race-proven heritage: Descended from Coan's industry-pioneering transbrake technology for Powerglide, TH400, and TH350 platforms
- Full-system engineering: Developed and tested alongside Coan's own valve bodies and internal transmission components
- Simple, reliable wiring: 12V momentary-switch activation with clean chassis ground — minimal complexity, maximum dependability
- CNC-machined precision: Built using state-of-the-art CAD/CAM design and CNC machining centers for exacting tolerances
- 100% American-made: Designed and manufactured in Kokomo, Indiana
Whether you are building a bracket drag car, a class-legal competition vehicle, or a serious street/strip machine, Coan's automatic transmission shift solenoids deliver the precision hydraulic control your build demands. Explore the full Coan Engineering catalog to see how their solenoids fit into a complete, race-ready automatic transmission system.