Sean Hollis

I'm new here but i need help figuring out whats going on with my transmission. I have a 92 RS camaro automatic 700R4 Truck transmission (not sure what truck it came out of but it is a heavy duty) I just swapped the stock 305 TBI with a 350 Power Torque engine, had the fuel filter and transmission filter changed out. Also had a new radiator put on with an eternal transmission cooler instead of the stock internal. Ive already put about 2,000 miles on the engine and i noticed it was a little rough shifting, I was told it was normal and id have to get used to it. now about 2 months later, I pull out from a light and it goes through 1st and 2nd gear, either in 3rd or going in to 3rd the RPM's hit about 3500 and thats going about 35mph. Ive been told it could be a selenoid, the tv cable, vacuum leak, to needing a rebuild. My first question is, should there by any slack on the tv cable and would that cause it to not go into 3rd and 4th? second question is are there anyways i can find out whats going on with it without having to sell an arm and a leg? Like i said im new to this. i know my way around the car, but theres still way more i need to learn.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Smoked 3-4 clutch

Rebuild time

Replace the seals for that clutch, last guy probably didn't, "inspected" them and thought they "looked OK" instead, that's probably what took the clutches out

vortec350s10

Is it the same transmission before the "power torque" engine swap? Or did it come with the engine? Either way if the TV cable is misadjusted, multiple things can result. I'm assuming you are still using the stock throttle body or at least one that has the correct 700r4 TV cable bracket. If it is too loose, it will cause early shifts, delayed or no downshifts and low line pressure across the board. If it's too tight, it will not allow full throttle although it will ratchet in the plastic teeth and "self adjust" to become tight at full throttle as it should be.
If the shift points seem ok, it downshifts like it should, and 1st and 2nd gears hold firm, more that likely the 3-4 clutches are worn or the piston is not receiving full hydraulic pressure and causing them to slip under load.
Too many people jump to the conclusion "smoked 3-4 clutch" without verifying even the simplest of facts. While this may be the case,
here's what I would do in order:
1. Make sure fluid is at the proper level, hot. In park idling.
2. Learn how to and verify the correct TV cable adjustment.
3. Confirm 1st and 2nd gears hold strong. The 1-2 WOT shift shouldn't be soft or slip.
4. Hook up a pressure gauge to the pressure port on the left side of the transmission and verify correct line pressures in all gears and TV cable positions. You should be able to find the pressure specifications online. They are also in the ATSG service manual if you want to buy one. If you plan on doing anything to the trans yourself, it's worth the $25.
5. If the pressure is good in 3rd and it's still slipping, there is an issue like I mentioned at the top about worn clutches or a hydraulic issue. There's really nothing you can do if that's the case besides tear it apart and see what's wrong.
Good luck.