I see on the tech articles page, that hooking up a switch between the A and F terminals of the ALDL (that's the thing that you plug in for codes... right?). Does a vacuum switch plug into the manifold vacuum and have wires that plug into those same ports?

I'd really rather have something that locked up the converter without me having to remember it all the time...

------------------
1984 z28 w/ a 357 cu in. monster engine which is looking like the posterchild for Edelbrock... all the suspension stuff... 9-bolt posi disk is in... K&N filter... 93 octane...

-=ICON Motorsports=-

 

You should buy a B&M kit.

Vacuum never goes to the 700r4, never did. The computer electrically controlled lockup.


------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

I know vacuum never went to the tranny. They do sell vacuum switches to contol lockup in 4th... $50 or so.

As far as a manual switch goes, the article talks about the A and the F ports on the ALDL... mine only has 4 (A,B,C, and D?) ports that have any conectors in them... The 4 in the upper right.

 

Anyone know what port to use other the the F port listed in the tech article? I don't have a wire going to that port...

 

Biochem, I have done it both ways automatic
switching of converter lockup/vs manual
control. I much prefer the manual control.
I find the automatic switching (ECM controlled)very bothersome. I drive my car
everyday, I only use my lockup "on the big
road" local four lane. Its much better for me. I installed this switch by cutting a hole in my console, between the power window
switches. I installed a black switch that
matches the interior.This switch has a small
red pilot light to remind me that the converter lockup is engaged. I can e mail or
fax a wiring diagram to you, or you can call
me at work: 1-800-444-4929 x6501. I will
be working tomorrow until 2.30p.m. eastern.

------------------
82Z 305 w/comp 270 magnum cam,holly.TH700R4 w/B&M holeshot 2000 converter,& megashifter. 9bolt 3.27 w/1LE rear brakes 70mph@2200rpm ASE Master Tech plus L2
also recently obtained a
'69 chevelle SS396 w/Turbo 400,3.31 posi,11.0 to 1, headers,etc. Latest project car,'86 IROC stock 305TPI hit on left side not too bad

 

Installing a switch in my panel isn't the problem... hooking the wires up is.

According to the Tech Article, I don't have the same wires going to the ALDL to run a switch to.

 

The best way I've found is to gut the internal wiring in the trans, install a pressure switch on fourth gear. Wire it to a switch on the dash or console. When the switch is turned on, the trans will lock-up when it shifts into fourth gear(unlocked in all other gears) Perfect for when my wife is driving it. Or I can turn the switch off/on whenever I want. The tci kit (69 bucks) contains the parts except for the switch

------------------
82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro

 

yes i was just going to suggest the tci kit, its the cheapest one i found and it's pretty simple to do. the only problem was locating/identifying parts on the trans. the kit says to remove to stock 4th gear pressure switch and replace it with the tci switch...it just took me a while to finally decide i was removing the right thing. you can also run this kit switchless, but the provisions are there to add one on later w/o removing the pan or anything. bottom line is i am satisfied with the price/performace of the tci kit

------------------
350, Comp 262, Edelbrock Performer intake 600 cfm carb and exhaust, headers

 

all it does is ground out the ECM electronic commands.never mind the letters, try the upper left and the upper right pins. connect the two together and see if that does it. that was a good idea that ANDY had about using the lighted switch,you'll know when you have it on though. it's a rough ride.

 

One reason that I decided to install a "totally manual" coverter lockup switch in my console,was because on a hot summer day my trick coverter put out a lot of heat. So in any of the top gears I can lock it up,and actually watch the coolant temp drop. It puts me in control of things. i have really gotted used to it. I also have a stock '86 IROC Z,and the converter going in & out I find annoying. Thanx,ANDYZ28

------------------
82Z 305 w/comp 270 magnum cam,holly.TH700R4 w/B&M holeshot 2000 converter,& megashifter. 9bolt 3.27 w/1LE rear brakes 70mph@2200rpm ASE Master Tech plus L2
also recently obtained a
'69 chevelle SS396 w/Turbo 400,3.31 posi,11.0 to 1, headers,etc. Latest project car,'86 IROC stock 305TPI hit on left side not too bad

 

Doesn't the article state that when using the ECM short cut it won't lock-up in first gear? What would be the point of unlocking it at highway speed, you can't really stall out if it's unlocked by the time you're slow enough to hit 1st gear....

------------------
1984 WS6 Trans Am Hartop
Former L69 Car under restoration
1984 WS6 Trans Am T-top car
4-bolt main 350, headers, Holley 650, T-5 and 3.23's.
Daily driver and restoration