just got my 86. 2.8 back after almost a year of not driving her. a list of little things that added up to her not running right.

anyways, i have now noticed that when i am heavy on the throttle (say more than 70% or so) that she stutters and won't shift into 4th, i hope this isnt a major tranny problem, i have good tranny fluid, and it's at the right amount. ( i also have a crack in my stock intake, i don't know if this would create hot air problems)
wondering if i could get some direction for that.

2nd question. if and when i get that tranny problem fixed, i would like to replace the cam lifters and rockers on her. what would be the best cam combo for acceleration and dependability, i don't want to ruin anything, just add some power and keep her reliable.

she's my baby, and i will drive this car with this motor untill i absolutly can no longer put miles on her. so im planning on keeping her for sure now that i have it back. so if you guys want to point me in any direction that would be cool. thanks

 

I think the tranny thing you're experiencing is normal behavior. At anything past 75% throttle, the tranny won't shift into 4th gear, you need the 4-3 kickdown kit from B&M (search for TomP and that term).
Without the kit, to actually get it to shift into 4th, let off the throttle, because 4th is supposed to be a cruising gear.
Hope that helps

 

yeah but it's never done it before... and it's bad, i mean it will NOT go into gear unless i come off the throttle and it seems like its struggling to get into gear... i don't know if thats normal...