LS swap 2004R mated to LQ9?

D

donnie_19

New Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2013
I am swapping a LQ9 in my 78 vette. Last year I purchased a 2004R heavy duty from Monster transmissions with a 2800 stall convertor with the lock out kit. Had this installed with a SBC 350. I have searched the forum and found most of my answers. The transmission is currently on the bench. Had a slight oil pan leak and will fix and also need to change the speedometer gear.
It shifted great up through the gears and downshifts fine until 2 to first around 10 mph or so, there has always been a slight banging? Is this normal or what should I check?
I never locked the converter up manually even though I had it wired up. Can this cause any damage?
 
donnie_19 said:
I am swapping a LQ9 in my 78 vette. Last year I purchased a 2004R heavy duty from Monster transmissions with a 2800 stall convertor with the lock out kit. Had this installed with a SBC 350. I have searched the forum and found most of my answers. The transmission is currently on the bench. Had a slight oil pan leak and will fix and also need to change the speedometer gear.
It shifted great up through the gears and downshifts fine until 2 to first around 10 mph or so, there has always been a slight banging? Is this normal or what should I check?
I never locked the converter up manually even though I had it wired up. Can this cause any damage?
Click to expand...
If you don't lock the converter while cruising, your fluid temps will get too hot.
 
Wouldn't the transmission cooler keep it cool and at operating temps? Running Amsoil synthetic trans fluid. Is there a way to make the lock up automatic. I am going to be using a Holley HP ECU and I a couple of extra I/O.
 
donnie_19 said:
Wouldn't the transmission cooler keep it cool and at operating temps? Running Amsoil synthetic trans fluid. Is there a way to make the lock up automatic. I am going to be using a Holley HP ECU and I a couple of extra I/O.
Click to expand...
There are kits out there to make your converter lock in 4th gear automatically. The cooling circuit is compromised when the converter is not locked. Put a gauge on it and see where the temps are while cruising unlocked. I have experienced high fluid temps on a 200r where the converter was not locking at cruising speeds even with an auxillary cooler
 
dpasadena said:
There are kits out there to make your converter lock in 4th gear automatically. The cooling circuit is compromised when the converter is not locked. Put a gauge on it and see where the temps are while cruising unlocked. I have experienced high fluid temps on a 200r where the converter was not locking at cruising speeds even with an auxillary cooler[/quo
This is the kit I got from Monster. I have not been using it correctly. I should have just turned it on and left it on correct?
The 200-4R External Lock-up KitThis kit will enable the driver to control the operation of the torque converter Lock-up. The switch will allow driver to turn the lock-up function off during in-town driving and on during high speed/highway driving. When switch is on the transmission will not engage into lock-up until transmission is in 4th gear. Transmission will automatically disengage lock-up switch when it down shifts to 3rd gear and re-engage when transmission shifts back to 4th gear. This kit is an external wired kit, no need to drop pan for installation.
Click to expand...
 
I would make sure your kit is powered. It sounds like it will only lock in 4th gear which is standard for your type kit. Your transmission will thank you if you have it lock in 4th while cruising
 
Question or two on the lockup . . . . I'm running two large air to oil coolers . I understand about the heat . locked up in 4th gear the temp barely registers on the gauge . same in 3rd ( I can lock it up too ) .
I'm running a 3.08 rear so I have to be running at a pretty good clip in 4th locked up to keep from lugging . Other than the heat I've heard there is a lubrication issue with the trans not locked up in 4th.

Is it ok ( lubrication wise ) to cruise in 3rd unlocked ???
 
Are the speedometer gears color coded? I have a green one and my speedo reads 70 mph and GPS says 65.
 
donnie_19 said:
Are the speedometer gears color coded? I have a green one and my speedo reads 70 mph and GPS says 65.
Click to expand...
What gears do you have and how tall are your rear tires? If you have that info, its easy to figure out the speedo gear you need
 
3.08 and 255/60/15 tires. I have a green gear. Bowtie says I need a black but they don't have any in stock and it isn't likely they will every get any as this unit has been out of production for so long.
 
donnie_19 said:
3.08 and 255/60/15 tires. I have a green gear. Bowtie says I need a black but they don't have any in stock and it isn't likely they will every get any as this unit has been out of production for so long.
Click to expand...
I have gotten driven gears for the 200r4 from PATC in the past. They should still carry them
 
Will call PATC this morning. What is the oil capacity in this trans? I was running Amsoil and it shifted fine except the clunk when going from 2nd to 1st. Been considering Dex 6.
 
Got my kit from Bowtie's today. I am shopping for a pressure gauge to make sure the TV adjustment is correct. Is a cheap 300 PSI gauge ok to use. I can't think of anything else I would use it for. What size thread is the port on the side of the trans?
Need to add a new oil cooler. Is it better to run through the radiator or bypass and go just to the oil cooler? Is there a best way to measure or figure out what size is needed? I will have dual fans for the radiator.
 
donnie_19 said:
Got my kit from Bowtie's today. I am shopping for a pressure gauge to make sure the TV adjustment is correct. Is a cheap 300 PSI gauge ok to use. I can't think of anything else I would use it for. What size thread is the port on the side of the trans?
Need to add a new oil cooler. Is it better to run through the radiator or bypass and go just to the oil cooler? Is there a best way to measure or figure out what size is needed? I will have dual fans for the radiator.
Click to expand...

Yes cheap Pr. Test Kit is Ok to use. Check Amazon. Port on side is 1/4" NPT.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_n...ster+kit&ie=UTF8&qid=1358032851&rnid=15690151

Using both the Rad and & Auxillary cooler is best, water cools 32 times better than air.
Med-Large size Aux. cooler is best. Tru-Cool type are self-regulating.
http://www.transmissioncoolers.us/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT

With 255/60/15 & 3.08 you could also use a White 13-tooth GM #25519848 Drive & Blue 30-tooth GM #561035 Driven gear combo.
http://www.chevellestuff.com/tech/speedo.htm
http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/suspension/Tirechart2.html
http://www.montess.org/speedo_gears.html
I found both here >> http://www.partsvoice.com/partsearch or one of the Vendors on this Forum may also have them.
 
If the 12V+ is supplied to the Lockup thru the Brake Light switch, it will disengage when the brake pedal is depressed.
This is the best method if you need to stop quickly.
You'll need a 4-Pin Brake light switch from a vehicle that had Cruise Control or a Trans with a Lockup TC.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

87Limitedwo2
Monte Carlo LS Turbo Buick Swap
Replies
3
Views
943
87Limitedwo2
87Limitedwo2
A
2004R With CK master rebuild kit, no 1-2 shift question.
Replies
13
Views
2K
AnthD
A
J
Found an 87 GN that has been sitting for 10+ years in storage..
Replies
10
Views
631
granitestategn
G
M
Converting from Powermaster to Vacuum Brake
Replies
13
Views
2K
GNVYUS 1
GNVYUS 1
M
Manual Swap
Replies
9
Views
2K
turbobuick
turbobuick
Top