Just had a rebuilt 700R4 put in my '86 Coupe. Claims to be built for a hot rod project that never materialized: 10 disc clutches, hardened internals, shift kit. Runs like a champ except no downshift at WTO above 45 mph. Above 45 the converter unlocks but the trans never downshifts. Below 45 the converter unlocks and the trans drops down a gear. Is this normal or do I need to go back and have something adjusted?

Thanks,

Dunesie

 

do you mean upshift? like is it not shifting out of first gear? but only under wot? could be some kind of manual valve body.

 

he means when he goes to WOT to pass someone it wont downshift.

 

oh. mine doesnt do that unless im below a certain rpm, so as so the tranny doesnt shift and send the engine rpm too high.

 

So, the question is: is my 700R4 operating correctly? MY experience is with the TH350 and that trans downshifts at WOT at just about any speed. I would think the 700R4 would act similarily, or at least be tunable to do so. If the converter unlocks, I know at least the WOT setting is being recognized, but what controls the downshift? Does the TV cable have any impact on the downshift? My concern is passing at 55+ with just the converter unlocked does not provide the necessary increase in speed that a downshift would provide.

Thanks for the input...

Duane

 

hard to say but i believe that is not normal, if say your in OD, at 55, and you floor it, it should downshift to third no problem, even safely to second gear.

 

It can easily do that if your tv cable isn't properly adjusted.(do a search, it's been cover many times)
I'll believe in the shift kit, but the other's you'd have to be more specific for me to believe.....

 

To tell you the truth, I wouldn't believe me either, but my mechanic (a back injury keeps me from doing a lot of the heavy stuff I used to do) came recommended by another (heavy equipment) mechanic I know. He hasn't steered me wrong yet. I can tell you that the tranny is tight and at about half throttle acceleration away from a stop it shifts hard enough to chirp the tires going into second. This out of a 145000 mile non-EFI 305.

I will recheck the TV cable for proper adjustment tomorrow. If I remember correctly it is push the tab in, push the adjuster sleeve rearward and then open the throttle fully to set the cable.

 

from 3rd to 4th (D to OD) mine shifts as late as 70-75 COLD... but when she's warmed up to over 160*, she shifts around 50-55... 60 at WOT

 

Depending on the rear gears and VB, it should be able to make it into second, or even first when you go to WOT at that speed. How did you adjust the TV cable? Should be TIGHT at WOT. Open the throttle all the way up and press the cable sideways (but not too hard, or itll break the plastic clip). If there is any slack at WOT, move the cable housing back manually until all the slack is removed with the throttle WIDE OPEN. Check to be sure that the TV adjuster mechanism isnt slipping as well. Should only hear one or two clicks at most when you open the throttle up after manually adjusting it. Also, odds are that it will break the 20 some odd year old rotted plastic TV cable clip off the throttle bracket, so go to a local trans shop and pick up a replacement ahead of time. Theyre 5 bucks and easy to install.

 

- $10 worth of accumulator springs..... - not to say anything about your guy or the trans, just saying.... - After messing with 700r's for a while now I'm very skeptical about performance/built 700r4's. Not that they aren't out there, just that many shops haven't got a clue.

- anyhow check the tv cable adjustment as stated by the others on here. Should be tight/full extension at WOT. - past that it may have a regular truck/van/car governor, not a performance/vette unit.