Self explanatory. 1-2, and 2-3 shifts are nice and soft-like, sort of like a station-wagon or granny car. All the F-bodies I've owned or driven W/ 700R4 feel like they all had a shift kit compared to this one. It shifts fine for a "normal sedan" but not a Trans am. Are these supposed to have a firm shift? or is it just my car? Would changing the fluid help? Would changing to type-F fluid help? corvette servo? Transgo shift kit? these are just the things I have read may help. Also, Before I started reading anything on the tranny board, I adjusted my TV cable(suggested by a number of members) for a nice crisp shift, and better responsiveness. Now I hear it isn't so good for your tranny, so I adjusted it back per Transfixleo's directions. It wasn't adjusted wrong for a long time, however, I hope I haven't ruined something.
Thanks, Jeff

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88 Trans Am 305 Auto Red/Silver, MSD coil,wires, ported plenum, gutted airbox, TB bypass, comp cams 08-408-8, everything else stock

 

Is this the original tranny? Many people don't realize that a 700 for a wagon LOOKS just like a tranny for a TransAm but is calibrated differently. As for the mods TransGo: Yes, Type F oil: NO. NO, NO. Vette Servo: Maybe, you might even have it now but you could do fine with the 553 (V-8) Servo.

 

Thanks, Transfixleo. Just out of curiosity, Why not type f fluid? besides the fact that its a ford product? I think it's the original tranny, but how do I tell?
Thanks, Jeff

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88 Trans Am 305 Auto Red/Silver, MSD coil,wires, ported plenum, gutted airbox, TB bypass, comp cams 08-408-8, everything else stock

 

First a history lesson. Type F oil was used up until 1976 by Ford. Up to that point is was an everyday experience to work on Ford trannies that came in with this thick, stinky varnish that used to be oil. You see, Type F was and IS an inferior oil that does NOT hold up to heat. This makes it a particularly bad choice for newer vehicles as they all run allot hotter now. I would also stay away from any oil that is supposed to make a tranny shift 'harder', that is the job of the trannies calibration where the oil's job is to transfer power and lubricate and COOL the tranny. If you are after a firmer shifting tranny then get a Valve Body kit. IF you ALSO want the tranny to last longer and FIX common problems then get the TransGo Shift kit or Reprogramming Kit.

As for checking the tranny application, look on the side of the case above the pan rail and you will see one section that is flat and has numbers and letters on it. Get those and post them back.

 

So, would a reprogramming kit do the same thing as a shift kit, and then more?

 

Yes but you do give up some 'comfort' but that usually isn't a problem for you guys!

 

How does it ruin your tranny by having the TV adjusted back a little? I liked holding 1st just a little longer at part throttle, and getting a nice crisp shift. Now, with it "properly" adjusted, it's buttery smooth. I would assume all that slippage would be worse for your tranny, no?

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88 Trans Am 305 Auto Red/Silver, MSD coil,wires, ported plenum, gutted airbox, TB bypass, comp cams 08-408-8, everything else stock

 

First off, be sure that you followed the instruction to the T. This is the correct setting and that is it. The tranny is counting on knowing exactly where the throttle is and compensating for it. If you had it too tight it would tend to have more pressure and thus firmer shifts but it will usually slip or bend parts as a result. The proper place to make calibration changes then is inside of the tranny, not at the cable.