89' Trans am GTA with 350 tune port engine. Just bought the car and was 'told' it has like new 4L60E auto trans. Trans fluid is still brand new.
I've been experiencing some slipping issue which (to me- garage rat mechanic) seems like would be clutch or torque converter... From a stop the car will engage fine (tires spin) but as soon as the RPMs climb there feels like definite slip. (I'm new to 3rd gen F-Body's but have had a few 4th gens and never felt this).
The gears shift smooth and stay engaged; trans seems good except for slip under load.
Also- this may be worth noting in case related. The trans doesn't want to switch gears until I let off the pedal; then get back into it. It doesn't bother me much yet (kind of fun...?) but in case it's related. It does that through all gears.
Also, maybe unrelated again but after longer drives (20-30 miles) the car tends to go into a reduced power mode and will not allow RPMs over 2-3000. I have to limp home. Seems like timing or spark issue but when in neutral it will rev fine. Only last night when it did this did I suspect the trans was also acting funny- not sure if there is any relation but in neutral revs good; in gear it will not. Until cools down or restarted.
The motor always ran a bit hotter than I'm used too. Never over 220-225 but not much below that when in the city. Interstate- 170deg.


I've always done my own repairs if possible; and would like to know some thoughts from the guru's as to troubleshooting tran, clutch, engine... etc I hope to get under the car soon to confirm what trans actually installed. I'm sure that would help. Thanks again.

 

Time to "know" instead of going by what you were "told."

Due to the need of a transmission controller, a 4L60-E would be less common than a 700-R4 or 4L60(without the E)

First, look at the throttle body and see if there is a TV cable hooked up. There's throttle and cruise which "pull" and TV which is "pulled" by the TB.

A 4L60-E would have a dozen or so wires going to a connector, driver's side.

A 700-R4/4l60 would have a TV cable going to the passenger side front and a 4-wire connector at the driver's side.

They're otherwise similar in size and fitment.

Making sure the TV cable is present and adjusted well is important on on the non-E transmissions.

 

It does have TV cable and it runs toward passenger side tranny... safe to say 700R4 or 4l60 for sure?


Unable to see any elec connectors (on the trans) at first look while car was jacked up. Wasn't much room; need to get it up a bit higher this evening.






I will read again about adjusting the TV cable for sure...would this adjustment relate to the trans slipping at full throttle? Or mainly the shifting?

 

TV cable seems asjusted correctly...although this issue does feel pedal related. Still has noticeable slip thru the top of the rpm. Its not terrible, but noticeable...and gradual. Worst when pedal is pushed to the floor. Does this sound like clutch or converter? Or trans?