I dropped a crate 350 engine in my 89 bird. Left the 700-R4 in it and have the lock-up convertor hooked to a switch. My question is that since the computer isn't working, will it not downshift to 1st at WOT? I have adjusted the TV cable so tight that it downshifts at 1/4 throttle and still no downshift..........so I know the TV cable is adjusted fine. Is it the computer that controls the shift from 2nd to 1st in a 700 R4......or what........

 

The computer controls absolutely nothing about shifting; it controls the clutch only.

So your problem isn't anything to do with the ECM. I can't tell you what it is, but I can tell you for certain that it isn't the ECM.

 

well I wasn't certain.........I know all the upshifts and downshifts are controlled by the TV cable.......but why on both my firebird and camaro (both 89's) would they do that from putting in a crate engine.....I don't use the ECM anymore........this has stuped me for a while now.....nobody on any other forum has been able to answer.... hmmmm could it have something to do with the connector on the driver side of the tranny?? could be a number of things but there has to be some sort of explanation. Not only myself but I have seen some other threads asking the same question....thanx

 

Might have to go back to the turbo 350........

 

If you changed from injection to carb the length of the cable might not be correct. You'd have to reposition the bracket or possibly the throw is longer on a carb. If your using the same induction push the t.v. cable all the way in and by hand open the throttle slowly until the cable clicks out far enough. You might want to push the cable back in one click in case it came out too far.

 

Well I have an adjustable throttle bracket for these applications on my carb. I also have a kickdown linkage for a 700R4 on my holley throttle linkage.......everything seems to be in order....they have never been able to downshift to 1st........at WOT in 2nd....4rth to 3rd, 3rd to 2nd but no 2nd to 1st.......

 

Still haven't figured this out I have been trying different searches but no ideas.....my Camaro and Bird both do this.....but they each were FI but now they have crate engines with the stock 700 R4 tranny....niether will downshift into first from 2nd gear....