My 200-4r is losing it's 1-2 punch???

[SS-EXPRESS]

Guys I have a dynotech built Street Strip 200-4r with Protorque 2400-2800 RPM 12" lock-up converter. The trans operated like a champ after I installed it and has been pretty much flawlessly the past 1-1/2 years or so its been in the car. I had a sticky TV problem but after talking to you guys I got that straightened out and its been good up until know.

When I was looking into getting one of these built people were recommending Dynotech so I went to them. A few people over at the Monte board told me not to be expecting a crazy 1-2 shift. I was rather surprised how good this thing shifted though. Some made it seem like it would shift rather smooth on the 1-2 but this thing was chirping the tires like crazy, up until now. I'm not sure how much maintenance these hi-po transmissions need but my trans definitely lost its 1-2 bang. It goes into second gear now real lazy on normal accelerations and at wide open throttle it is a little more firm but not much. The 2-3 and 3-4 shifts are definitely still 100%.

My question is what could be going wrong with my trans? Is there something that needs to be adjusted? Could I do it myself? Please do not tell me this thing is going to crap because this would be my 4th 200 I have been through.

It's not like I have a crazy fast car, 350 horse and maybe 400 ft-lbs and runs high 13's. I see you guys with the same trans as me in the GNs going way faster and not having any troubles. I will also try and get in touch with Eric at Dynotech to see if I can get this thing resolved.

Thanks guys.
Later

 

[Hacksaw]

It might be the band is wearing out. There are several ways to adjust the band by shimming; BUT, once it starts wearing/burning it's normally down hill from there.

Yes, you could have the 1-2 accummulator piston replaced with like a Sonnax unit IF the pin is worn.

The spring in the 1-2 accumulator valve train in the valve body may have broke. It will cause soft 1-2 shifts if it happens.

What color is the trans fuild? If it's brown or black you're in real trouble. With the other 2 shifts being OK I doubt a TV cable adjustment will help.

There is several aftermarket servos out there for the 200-4R, but this will just be a "bandaid" fix if the band is going. And it will throw off the 2-3 shift from what it is now.

 

[SS-EXPRESS]

Could all the above mentioned things be fisxed without pulling the trans? Is this a costly fix?

This really sucks!!! Trans is supposed to handle 500 HP and 500 ft-lbs. What does that mean exactly one 1/4 mile pass? One year??? Why do we even run these transmissions?????

My bad just needed to vent!!

 

[1BUICKGN]

Hi-pro Trans

I Bought A Hi-pro Trans From Cottons.i Have Had This Trans For About 2yrs. Mine Is The Non L/u Version And I Have The Same Problem.i Expected To Get A Least 4yrs With No High Boost Launches.are They Going To Charge The 1450.00 Again?? You Would Think It Would Be Cheaper The Second Time Around.by The Way I Also Have An External Tranny Cooler.maybe this reply will make you feel better.

 

[Hacksaw]

Sorry, but the band is inside the trans, so it must be pulled. The accumulator & servo parts don't require trans removal.

What happened with the TV before?

 

[84gnguy]

First off,nice ET's with your Monte SS..very respectable
Out of curiosity,what servo do you have? Stock Monte SS,aftermarket?

 

[SS-EXPRESS]

The car wouldn't shift from 1-2 and seemed like it was free-wheeling when you let of the gas under load. I cured the problem by disconnecting the TV at the carb and pulling on it with the engine rpms up. This cured it and the car shifted perfect after this.

 

[SS-EXPRESS]

Im guessing its a GN servo. I think thats what the guys at Dynotech told me. Funny thing is when I picked the trans up they were like what is this going in? I told them and I told them how much power I was making and they laughed and told me that, "I wasn't even going to tickle this trans." That made me feel real good but now here I am. Now I don't even want to drive the damn thing!!!

Thanks for the compliment 84 Gn. She actually went 13.77 on mickey thompson ET streets.

 

[Hacksaw]

I would still change the fluid if it's not been done.

 

[SS-EXPRESS]

It has been done about 12,000 or so miles ago. I will do it again soon, I was also wondering if transmission fluid is critical. The guys at the shop told me not to use any fancy synthetic fluid so I simply used generic dexron III stuff. Does the generic stuff tend to break down easier? Could this be my problem? I serously doubt that this problem would be that easy to fix. I have yet to meet a 200-4R that can stand up to me, and I don't even drive that hard.

 

[SS-EXPRESS]

Alright guys I'm a little more cooled down today and did talk with Eric at Dynotech. He said it could possibly be that the TV cable stretched and that I should readjust it back to the base line setting and go from there. He said it could also be a broken spring in the accummulator as well. The trans fluid is just a tad low and super clean, but I checked it before the car was fully warmed up. Later I will recheck the fluid when the car is full warm and I will readjust the TV. If that doesn't fix the problem I will be taking her up for a service. Hopefully a "service" is not to expensive as this trans is no longer under warrantee.

Late

 

[84gnguy]

Good luck and please post the end result.

 

[TurboJim]

Or the band anchor is tweaked...