Alastair:

I was under the impression that all of the 'stuff' under the 'black box' on top of the valve cover could be deleted if one got rid of the egr and its related components. I have removed the egr completely, as well as the stuff under the black box and am in the process of seeing what else can be removed that is egr related, mostly to narrow down points of failure for the vacuum system.

Are you saying I need one/both of those 'micro switches' as you call them if I want to help remedy my harsh shifting?

It doesn't seem that what you're saying can be true, given that I have indeed eliminated all those items and, with the help of a Mighty Vac hooked directly to the AT Modulator and providing it with 15-20 in HG as I drove, it shifted fantastically like it never has before.

Please advise! Thank you.