Couple problems,, expert help Please....

[Michel B]

Hello,,, this is my first post,, I'v been a lurker for a while reading all the great info,, now is the time to ask questions,,LOL. First and very important,, I do not have the privilege of owning a GN/MC/SS,,(I admire your cars!!) I have a 73 vette with a transplanted 200r4.
Over the past winter I rebuilt a 200r4, installed a Sonnax shift kit (possibly a mistake), installed a 2200-2600 converter (suggested to me from a reputable builder to suit my needs and engine specs).
Its installed and works well, TV cable is adjusted as per instructions with all the correct brackets on carb.

Problem; 1-2 shift is to fast,, almost instant. I have a stock governor from a caddy,,I beleive this is a problem,, what is the solution ?? springs ? weights? what can I do ?

Question; The converter is doing a fine job,, It takes off like a rocket,, but for driving around its a little loose for my liking,, I was thinking of the following solution,, please advise,,; What if I bypass the pressure switch so that it can be locked in all gears,, I would still have a master on/off switch and would add another switch to the brake peddle. Your thoughts ??

Last question,,, people on the corvette forum.com tell me my shift kit (Sonnax) is not good,, they are very partial to transgo/B&m,, since I beleive you guy's are the pro's on this subject,, I would like to here your comments, Personally,, I feel its working fine and doing its job.

Thanks

 

[SSedan64]

Hello,,, this is my first post,, I'v been a lurker for a while reading all the great info,, now is the time to ask questions,,LOL. First and very important,, I do not have the privilege of owning a GN/MC/SS,,(I admire your cars!!) I have a 73 vette with a transplanted 200r4.
Over the past winter I rebuilt a 200r4, installed a Sonnax shift kit (possibly a mistake), installed a 2200-2600 converter (suggested to me from a reputable builder to suit my needs and engine specs).
Its installed and works well, TV cable is adjusted as per instructions with all the correct brackets on carb.

Problem; 1-2 shift is to fast,, almost instant. I have a stock governor from a caddy,,I beleive this is a problem,, what is the solution ?? springs ? weights? what can I do ?

Question; The converter is doing a fine job,, It takes off like a rocket,, but for driving around its a little loose for my liking,, I was thinking of the following solution,, please advise,,; What if I bypass the pressure switch so that it can be locked in all gears,, I would still have a master on/off switch and would add another switch to the brake peddle. Your thoughts ??

Last question,,, people on the corvette forum.com tell me my shift kit (Sonnax) is not good,, they are very partial to transgo/B&m,, since I beleive you guy's are the pro's on this subject,, I would like to here your comments, Personally,, I feel its working fine and doing its job.

Thanks

I'm no expert but, I'll try to help.
Is the trans from a Caddy? ValveBody & Gov? If so that's probably the early shift problem. What code is on the rear tag? THM 200-4R Information
What rear gear ratio do you have in the Vette?
A MonteCarloSS ValveBody & Gov is set up for a 3.73 rear gear and has higher rpm shift point. Buick GN/T-Type is set up for 3.42 rear gear.
Valvebodies and Governors are a matched set so it's easier to swap both to a higher performance set than to try hacking on a low performance Gov. Here's some Gov weight Info. > http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/tr...fied-200-4r-governor-higher-shift-points.html

Shouldn't be a problem manually locking the converter. I don't recommend WOT lockups tho' unless you have beefed up the internals in the trans and Torque converter.

Most on here prefer Chris's, CKPerformance Shift Recalibration Kit. It has firm part throttle shifts which get progressivly firmer with more throttle also corrects a 2-3 flare problem. I & Most others don't recommend B&M shift kits for any trans. www.CKPerformance.com

 

[darkhorsebob]

If you are satisfied with the other shifts, you raise the 1-2 shift only, by shimming the 1-2 shift valve spring. Thin shim washers work great for this modification.
Transgo used to offer a spring scale for checking springs but I think it's been discontinued.
Start out with one thin shim washer.

 

[chris718]

Is the shift too early under light throttle ,but ok at wide open?What rpm does it reach under wot in first gear before it hits second?

 

[Michel B]

Shimming sounds interesting,, how thick are we talking about,,.020, .030 ?

Yes the shift point is very early,,like almost instant,, at light throttle,, and if I'm not mistaken its much the same at wot,, The reason I say this is because the 1-2 shift is almost unapparent,, I can feel it but its not like its slaming in second,, it shifts quick but not brutal,, this better discribles it. The torque starts working at 2400 and second comes in at 2600.

 

[chris718]

Mike give me a ring and Ill give you a list of things to do to get it working right.631 218 1989

 

[Michel B]

Cool !,, I'll give you a call tuesday after work,, Thanks

 

[Michel B]

Ok just a little update,,, Ck has been very good in walking me through the common checks,, Thanks!!! after droping the V body I noticed I had forgotten to remove a check ball mentioned in the shift kit instructions,, this corrected soft shifting and lack of down shifting. I still have low shift points, the governor is my next target..... to follow.

 

[KL Mallender]

Good to hear, Chris has helped many sort out their troubles, I think he's getting close to qualifying for sainthood, lol.

Many Thanks from all Chris, your a good man.

Kevin.