Bone jarring shifts and downshift Q's

[GSTOY]

I bought this 87 GN a couple of months ago that had been sitting for 2+ years. I finally got it up and running, but when it shifts, it shifts hard and only shifts from 1st to 2nd at 25mph, the 2nd to 3rd takes place at 55. I have to say, I hate this setup. It feels like I have a huge stall converter when I'm driving around. It won't even think about upshifting unless you go to the above speeds. I took a look and it's a D5 converter. My other issue that I have is that after the car is driven around for awile, when you come to a stop, it won't shift down to 1st and starts lugging the engine if you don't manually put it into 1st or put it in neutral. The fluid is bright red and does not smell burnt. The previous owner did state that a shift kit was put in, he has no idea as to which one.

From searching the trans talk threads, could my downshift problem be the TCC Solenoid? As to why this thing shifts so hard and why it only shifts at certain MPH, I have no clue. The vehicle does have a external trans cooler..seperate from the radiator, and even after driving around for 30 min, the fluid feels warm, so I don't believe the trans fluid is overheating. I have also set the tv cable by the proceedures, no change.

I currently have the engine out of the car fixing a bad exhaust valve, so I figured I should ask because if I need to tear into the trans, I have it out as well. Any suggestions will be apprieciated.

Current mods are: TT chip for 91 octane, 43# injectors, big mouth cold air kit, stock turbo, TA Perf Headers, Walboro Fuel pump and hotwire.

Steve

 

[JDSfastGN]

It sounds like it could be a combination of a couple things. The TV cable sounds too tight. Loosen it a few clicks until it shifts at the correct shift points but make sure its still a firm shift. It could be too much line pressure that is causing the car not to start in 1st gear but the shuddering sounds more like the TCC solenoid is getting sticky when hot and not allowing the converter to unlock.

 

[JDSfastGN]

also you might want to make sure that the governor spring did not pop out causing the late hard shifts. Also make sure that when u pull on the TV cable that it springs back. If its a stock setup that has become unhooked it will default to full TV pressure.

 

[GSTOY]

The TV cable does spring back when I tried to adjust it.

Where is the governor located in the 200? This is the first one I've ever torn into and what should I be looking for?

BTW, it always starts out in first, I've never had a problem with it going thru the gears, it's just that I shouldn't have to reach certain speeds for it to shift..that really bugs me.

Thankyou for your input I'm still a noob, but I'm learning fast.

Steve

 

[bison]

Governor pressure problem. Maybe TV is shimmed or hanging up in sleeve.

 

[prushiii]

Possible stall diameter problem

Im not sure that I can be much help, but I had my 200 rebuilt to stage 2 specs and was told that I should put in no less than a 2800 stall. I did so, but purchased one that was 12 inch diameter because it was cheaper. After having it installed, my tranny shifts very hard as you said yours does. I was told by Century Automotive that if I would have went with a 9 inch diameter stall instead of a 12 inch one, then it would have shifted softer. I dont know what the diameter is on your stall, but that may play a part in it. Hope this helps...