When i had my firebird, i noticed that it would never stay in overdrive on full throttle. I read in the FAQ that they are designed this way. So what's the use? Speed control?

Have any of you purchased this kickdown valve which fixes that problem? Is it easy to install? What will it do for your top speed? Is it worth it?

It's called downshift for passing.

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84 Camaro ZZ4 with HOT cam. 1.88 60' (12.98 @ 105MPH E.T.)
Other Mods: You name it and I have probably changed it.

2001 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 5.9L 4*2

ASE Certified Auto Tech
LIVE AND DIE BY THE ALMIGHTY BOWTIE!

I bought a throttle kickdown kit from Summit that I never got around to installing if you're interested. It's still in it's package too. Give me an email if you want it.

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92 Bird 3.1L Auto
Best $750 I ever spent....
DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!
Kills:
93 Mustang LX (Before Mods)
98 or 99 Dodge Stratus (tough one, edged out at 40)
92 Camaro RS 305 TPI
Close Calls
94 Grand Am 3.1 V6
92 Cavalier 3.1 V6
01 Porsche 911 Turbo (Had em till first gear)
Mods-Jet Stage 2 Performance Chip, Accel Cap/Rotor, Accel 8.8 MM Wires, Accell Coil, AC Delco Rapidfire Plugs, Dynomax Catback, K&N
AIM name OVRCLCK350

when you are in overdrive you are creating very little torque. if you floor it in OD the trans senses heavy load and shifts to 3rd to allow you to accelerate. if you've ever driven stick, try going like 45 mph in 5th gear and then floor the gas....you go NOWHERE. no torque= no go.

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Dan
1990 3.1L RS
80 Series Flowmaster
It's fast(er than a 3 cyl metro)

As i understand it, the reason the 700 does that is simple. The early ones had problems with overheating when run high speed in overdrive. So it was designed to not run near WOT in OD.
Flash forward a few years to the later models with better pumps/calibration and it turned out they could handle it. But instead of making the change across the line they only put the 4th upshift valve into police packages and vettes.
...ed

You can get that valve to keep it in OD at WOT if you want.

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1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula LO3 Auto
-180 degree stat
-Hooker Cat-Back
*****Possible summer '01 mods*****
Open Element, Auburn Posi, Keyless Entry, wonder Bar off the IROC, 4th gen seats, T/A tail lights

1985 Camaro IROC-Z LB9 Auto
http://www.geocities.com/krt80/