OK, this is a part of a larger set of problems that I am discussing right now in this post .. However, this is at Tech/General Engine so I don't know if many of the regulars on this board would bother to look..

Basically I noticed I can't peel out any more and WOT from a dead stop doesn't give quite the same push anymore. A bunch of stuff is explained in the beforementioned post ..

Here's the trans-related part:

4) Muy importante: Messed with the TV cable a little --- adjusted it by one or two clicks (2 at most, as far as I remember).. This was after my 700R4 slipped since it had improper oil in it (as I found out later -- ATF3)... It slipped only once, that was enough for me to get alarmed and start doing something about it. Didn't drive the car for three days. Filled it with DexronIII and did this TV-cable thing.. After that, drove the car ~10 miles every days for 3 days straight, constantly triple checking the transfluid level and keeping the car cool. This was in June. I was very gentle to the trans since then. Could it be that there is minor permanent damage to TC or the tranny and this is how it manifests? I did one of the TC stall tests using the following method: stop the car while in D and then floor it. The instance your car starts moving take note of the RPM, this is the TC stall RPM. Turned out to be between 1400-1600, couldn't be more accurate than that. Maybe I just need to adjust back the TV-cable?

More trans-related stuff:

Now I shift a tad late, I guess -- near 4500 RPM.
Also, I hear noises coming from the trans when I am at full stop and in D or in R.
I shift to neutral when approaching stop lights. The rationale is this makes it easier for the trans. Also, I don't use OD while in stop and go traffic.

I don't think I exactly followed transfixleos instructions as far as TV cable goes...
The noises were present before and after the adjustment.

Any opinions are very welcome.

 

anyone?

 

I am replying to my own question to help everyone else searching solutions to similar problems.

There were many problems, but here's what helped fix it:

0) Adjust the TV cable per transfixleo's instructions.. noticably firmer shifts.
1) Dexron III for tranny (as it should be)
2) Keep the engine at 185 at all times (I have a manual fan switch), unless you have a separate tranny intercooler.
3) Make sure the exhaust is unplugged
4) Make sure you have proper spark (plug wires, plug boots, spark plugs, dist rotor, cap)
5) Make sure you have proper timing
6) Make sure you have proper vacuum (no vacuum leaks, PCV & grommet nice and tight).