Tranny shifts not firm anymore

[blackbuick87]

OK, I was hoping to avoid telling everyone what a dumba$$ I am but it looks like I cant avoid it since I need your help.

When I went to the track a couple weeks ago (my first time) I got a little confused. I backed into the water box to do a burnout and start building boost. Well its building and building and nothing is happening. By now the other guy has already done one, so I am trying to hurry up. I realize the car is still in reverse. Without even hesitating for a millisecond I reach down and put it in D
I still had about 6psi boost mind you. It slams into gear and instantly lit up both tires. I went and did my run convinced I trashed something. Well I think I got lucky because everything seems fine

Except for the fact that it feels like I have no shift kit anymore. It does not slip in between gears or anything, it just feels like a mushy stock tranny. I was told by the previous owner it had a shift kit but I dont know what brand. It was never a really firm kit either, as it would not bark second and the 3-4 shift was always so-so.

So anyways, did I f*** anything up, or can I just order one of Bruce's shift kits and be a happy camper? I didnt want to throw in a kit, raise the pressures, and then blow something up.
TIA

 

[HOTTOGO]

Originally posted by blackbuick87
OK,.... So anyways, did I f*** anything up, or can I just order one of Bruce's shift kits and be a happy camper? I didnt want to throw in a kit, raise the pressures, and then blow something up.
TIA

You could put his VB kit and PR system in and it's gonna do one of two things, either run like a "raped ape" or it will find your weak spot (problem if any) for you, you got a 50/50 chance the way I see it.

 

[blackbuick87]

Thanks but I am kind of hoping for a more scientific answer on what I could have damaged. I would like to try and head this one off at the pass if possible

 

[HOTTOGO]

A simple quick check would be to make sure your tv cable didn't self adjust it's self out provided you know where it was by a mark or something, or just try re-adjusting it and see if that helps, that would be my first step. Also are all shifts soft at all throttle positions?

 

[blackbuick87]

Yeah it feels like they are all a little softer. Its doesnt feel like its slipping, which make me think its OK. I dont think its the TV because it still shifts at the same RPMS. I figured I would try Bruces kit and when I drop the pan I could see if a spring popped out or something when I jarred it. I have never installed a shift kit so I dont really know what to look for

 

[HOTTOGO]

If you have a gauge, whats the pressures? if you don't it might be wise to spend the money on a good liquid filled dash mount one first before the kit and see what they are. I'm sure Bruce's (and the other Guru's for that matter) first ? would be "what's the line peressure's at min & max tv" before they could give you any serious responce. That will not only tell you if the kit will help, but also how much after the kit it did and they are a great way to monitor the tranny so down the road you can see if a prob is developing before it does. As for the kit I'm sure if you went with Bruce's you can expect his customer service will help you get it installed and if you have a decent mech. apptitude it shouldn't be to hard, he also sells (I believe AutoMeter acces.) which would mean he might sell the gauge also.

 

[blackbuick87]

Where do you measure the line pressure at?
The line to the radiator?

 

[HOTTOGO]

It's a little 1/8 plug just above where the manual shift linkage shaft goes into the trannie. (drivers side)

 

[WE4]

I would be more inclined to determine what "changed" . Obviously you KNOW something took place, and something "isn't right" . Maybe my parts would make better, and maybe not, but putting a band aid on a problem you KNOW prexists just doesnt seem like the wise choice to me.


Now let me get this straight..... I was supposed to SELL you the parts , right?

ROFL


Bruce
WE4


ps... On a side note I would be more inclined to really ck converter. I have a feeling..............

 

[blackbuick87]

So what should I look for as far as line pressures?



Bruce the stockholders might question your reply but we the customers appreciate it

 

[HOTTOGO]

Originally posted by blackbuick87
So what should I look for as far as line pressures?

As I am no expert I try to limit my replies to the simple (obvious) things so not to possibly mislead someone or worse make a fool of myself by making incorrect assumitons, with that said my first thought was to make mention of possible T/C trouble and now that Bruce made the comment:

Originally posted by WE4
ps... On a side note I would be more inclined to really ck converter. I have a feeling..............

I guess it's safe to say now, something you might want to consider, as it recieved good portion of the brunt of the force you exerted on the tranny and a weak one could cause your symtoms as well and if he said it then well?

'87 BRF stock pressures as per GM service manual @ 1000 rpm.
range min tv max tv

P & N 56-64 173-198

Rev. 105-118 322-369

OD & D 56-64 173-198

1 & 2 123-138 123-138

 

[blackbuick87]

How do you measure max TV without going WOT?

 

[HOTTOGO]

You have to disconnect the cable from the throttle linkage and manually pull the cable out to the max and either tie it or clamp it to hold it. I personally use those "quick clamps" with the trigger squeeze grips for clamping word work 'cuz they have the rubber pads. Also they recommend not doing the max tv pressure checks for longer than a total of 2 min. FYI.

 

[blackbuick87]

What type of pressure gauge should I get? Sorry for the q's but I have never seen this done before and am pretty ignorant of tranny's

 

[HOTTOGO]

If you want a nice dash mount one here's an AutoMeter one from Summit
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=26848 It comes w/mounting hardware but requires a separate perferably steel braided line to connect it to the tranny which are also available from Jegs or Summit.

 

[HOTTOGO]

As good as it gets.....

Pressure gauge http://www.2004rperformancecenter.com/mcartfree/product.asp?intProdID=122