I went for a test drive today with the mechanic.He thinks its the torque converter .But, he said lets try changing the tranny fluid first .I know a aftermarket peformance converter would give me better harder take-off .But , is it cheaper than gm the part ? I have found some aftermarket parts to be cheaper than gm .If I do get a performance one , what brand do ya'll guys recomend and what stall ? do i get lockup or non lockup ? Thanx in advance , Wayne

 

Go get a stock range convertor.
You'll be more pleased that a "loose" convertor. There must be plenty of tranny places for this.
Kinda unusual for this to go, but, ya never know.
I've gotten convertors for about $80-ish and it's a perfect option & price.
LABOR STINKS!!!
Make sure you have a shop do the work, as it's warrantied.
MAKE SURE you go to the same shop that diagnoised the problem and offered the solution.
ALL THOSE DETAILS WORK IN YOUR FAVOR.
Pay the extra $10 or so for a new tranny mount, too.
Don't think of attempting this job at home. It won't work!
PERHAPS even get a second opinion.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

[This message has been edited by KED85 (edited September 10, 2001).]

 

I was just talking to Dad .If it is the torque converter .I really want a performance one (higher stall).Do you think the converter would go out on me and leave me stranded ? I might even just chance it and wait and let ho ho bring me one for Christmas or for my B-day in nov The shaking really seems to just get bad in the heat of the afternoon ....Thanx Karl , and thanx guys . Wayne

 

So, the problem is that the car starts shaking after it's warmed up? Does it do this in all gears? Does it do it from a stop, or once you get around 30-35 mph?


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l)

 

I really suggest a stock style version.
Really suggest it.
You'll be pleased and the gas milage is much better, too.
I've always stalled my convertors (stock) at about 1500 to 2200RPM.
Make sure this convertor is the problem.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

If you do end up going with a stall conv., get a TCI Sizzler. It's only about 200 - 300 RPM higher stall speed than stock. I'v got one for my TH350 and I love the way it helps the car launch, definently better take off than a stock one. But, if your still running the stock cam, you might be better off with a stock one. Don't forget to install a tranny cooler if you put in a stall conv.

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Ya can't have too many fast Chevys!

 

Thanx alot for the help guys . Well on the way home from the shop after I got the tranny fluid changed it was still shaking .It shakes when it goes into third gear( its an auto of course but you can tell when its in third gear ).It also does it if Im on the interstate and speed up .It does it more in the afternoon when its hotter .I am planning on putting a cam in the car and soon .Just out of curiosity Karl , but what makes the stock one so good ? Thanx again .If I do decide to drive the car a little longer shaking like it is , Im I damaging anything ? If I go with a performance stall I will get it put in Nov , then a cam put in Dec or vice versa. Thanx guys , Wayne ..88 camro , new 2.8 engine , ram air with k&n's , dynamax , and gutted cat .

 

Chevy Power, how much was your sizzler ? Wayne ...I like the camaro in the signature

 

The one I bought was for my TH350, I looks like the one for the 700-R4 is a bit more steep in price. I copied the part #'s and prices from Jegs, their listed below.

---------------------------------------------
890-241538 65-81 TH-350, 375 with small bolt pattern (except lock-up) $ 84.99

890-242738 84-91 TH-700R4, 30-Spline $211.99


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Ya can't have too many fast Chevys!

 

Why a stock one.
FOR SECURE DETAILS, ask the convertor people.
Here's a place
Continential Convertors.
310-674-1072. PST!
It's where I've gotten two.
Stock, locks up correctly.
Off the line torque, is better.
Gas milage is better.
Engine runs cooler.
UNLESS YOU ARE RUNNING A KILLER ENGINE SET UP, I do recommend sticking with a stock RV convertor.
RV=Road Vehicle, like a motor home. Better torque, where ya need it. Down low, taking off from traffic lights.
Hope it gives ya guidence.
DID you find a second opinion?
How long before you expect to do damage to other parts of your car by vibration??
Fix this SOON!! You could have bad news, you do not want not know.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

Thanx alot Karl and Chevy for the part numbers and brands .Well I have good news , today it did not shake at all .I guess the tranny fluid change did it ..I still may put a performance one on it .Yeah I know Karl , you dont recomend it , Im hard headed lol .Some of my friends and people have bashed the v6 being slow so bad , its just like i want to get that performance and take it to the track But if i do get the sizzler , and break something I wont argue with you Karl when you say "I told ya wayne" .....Wayne <----can be hardhead ..take care guys , Wayne p.s. Congrats Karl on the new baby

 

Hey, Wayne, BE HARD HEADED.
BUT, ask around to tranny shops why a hi-po torque convertor may not be right for your situation.
PS, educated me, too!

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA