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TCI Constant line pressure lowers at idle.

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Old Dec 29, 2009 | 10:38 AM
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Justin 87 GTA's Avatar
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From: Long Island, NY
Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: 645hp/656 ft lb Blown 383
Transmission: 700-R4 3,000 stall
Axle/Gears: 3.55 moser 12-bolt
TCI Constant line pressure lowers at idle.

Here is one of a few articles i read that basically says that the TCI constant line pressure lowers at idle to around 100, and increases with engine rpm to 150-200: (thus avoiding excessive pressure all the time.)

Get In Gear With A TCI 700-R4 - Tech
Although the above gains are all great, what really sets the new TCI 700-R4 apart from the GM 700-R4 is the TCI transmission's new Constant Pressure Valve Body. One of the GM 700-R4's key downfalls is the fact that it doesn't hold sufficient line pressure while cruising down the highway in overdrive at 1,800 rpm; in fact, the line pressure can be as low as 90 psi, which means the clutches are slipping ever so slightly all the time. Another problem area is making sure the GM 700-R4's T.V. cable, which determines internal line pressure and part throttle shifting, is set dead on. Unfortunately, to adjust the T.V. cable right where it needs to be requires some skill, and when the cable is improperly set, it will result in a transmission meltdown. TCI has found a way to avoid all this by designing the new Constant Pressure Valve Body to maintain at least 100 psi of line pressure at idle and 150 to over 200 when accelerating or cruising, the adequate amount of pressure at all times. The constant pressure avoids common transmission destruction, and although the transmission still requires a T.V. cable, the Constant Pressure Valve Body provides more freedom when setting part throttle shift points, upshift, and downshift timing. Line pressure settings are always at sufficient pressure at all times. That also means you won't find yourself encountering a low line pressure condition.

The TCI 700-R4's other main advantage is the lockup converter, which runs off vacuum provided by the intake manifold vacuum line, as well as a 12-volt source when the key is on. When hooked up, the lockup converter is good for another 200-rpm drop.

For now, TCI is only offering the new Constant Pressure Valve Body in their 700-R4 trannys, but due to the performance and driveability benefits they have seen in the 700-R4, plans are in the works to expand the lineup. Eventually, the TCI 200R and Ford AOD, both plagued with problems similar to the 700R, will include the new valve body. Until then, we decided to get our hands on one of the new 700-R4 transmissions to swap out the existing GM 700-R4 in John Barkley's square-body Chevy.


Did they redesign it? or are people here assuming its bad. I saw one post of a dude here that used it with good results so far. I just called TCI and they said that they did have trouble with them when they were first made, but it has been improved and that the line pressure does "drop a bit" at idle..whatever that means.

Anyone have one? good or bad results? i'm not gonna drive the car more than 1000mi a year

Last edited by Justin 87 GTA; Dec 29, 2009 at 10:51 AM.
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