I just bought my first automatic 3rd gen. A 88 Camaro I-ROC Z28. It has been sitting for 3-4 years. First thing I did was change the oil, and clean out the throttle body as best I could cause it was nasty. So I check steering and suspension, tire pressures,etc to make sure I could take it for its voyage ride home from the shop. This car has a 700r4 to my knowledge, which was rebuilt. It has a GU2 G80 Code rear end for 2.73 posi, and a 305 TPI. When at park or sitting at a light, it idles at around 1200 rpms which seems about right. Shifting is smooth as well and not very harsh.

First off, the transmission does not seem to engage until around 2800 - 3000 rpm and it does not feel like its slipping one bit. Is that normal, or could it be that a stall converter or programmed ECM to change the lock-up. Is 2800-3000 normal?

Secondly, when at WOT, First gear goes to 6,500 RPM before shifting into 2nd to 4,000 rpm then again 6,500 RPM before shifting into 3rd. It redlines at 5,000 rpm... Would this be a kick-down cable problem or a shift kit?

Thirdly, when at 55-60 mph, while in O.D., it is running 3000 rpm as well, is that normal rpm for that speed? I used to have a car with a 3.73 rear end that ran 3000 rpm at 60mph.

I don't know if this is normal for these cars or I may have bought myself a car with some serious trans issues.

Let me know what you think.