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Old Jan 31, 2015 | 08:16 PM
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Hey everyone i am new to corvettes, i picked up a 1978 25th anniversary about a week ago and she ran great. yesterday i drove around quite a bit and it worked awesome but today i got in started it up and put it in drive and when i would apply gas it would bog down and then go but it dosnt want to change gears unless i take my foot off the gas to let it shift. i can floor it and the rpms will go high but it wont change until i take my foot off the gas then it will go up a gear. any ideas?
Thanks!
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Old Jan 31, 2015 | 08:30 PM
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Start simple...check fluid and vacuum line...
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Old Jan 31, 2015 | 10:04 PM
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Originally Posted by The13Bats
Start simple...check fluid and vacuum line...
i am a novice when it comes to engine work. i replaced the transmission fluid, it was a little dirty. and recently had the vacuum hoses replaced. so im not sure what to do.
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Old Jan 31, 2015 | 11:14 PM
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could this problem also be caused by a exhaust problem?
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Old Jan 31, 2015 | 11:55 PM
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Sounds like a vacuum issue, you need to check the vacuum modulator. Check to make sure the vacuum line is not cracked and that it is dry. If the vacuum line is wet the modulator needs to be replaced.
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Old Jan 31, 2015 | 11:58 PM
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Originally Posted by tejasak

Sounds like a vacuum issue, you need to check the vacuum modulator. Check to make sure the vacuum line is not cracked and that it is dry. If the vacuum line is wet the modulator needs to be replaced.

Awesome thanks for the photo i had no idea that was there. i will put it up on a lift and take a look. the reason i asked about the exhaust is because i want to replace the current fake dual with side mounted exhaust.
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 12:01 AM
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Exhaust doesnt normally have effects on an automatic shifting that I know of,

On my 69 it has a th400 tranny my vacuum line the metal part got mashed almost flat and caused a problem much like yours....
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 12:01 AM
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if it is the modulator where can i purchase one? the only places near me are car quest and o'reilly auto parts
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 12:01 AM
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the modulator will be the first thing i check.
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 12:11 AM
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Originally Posted by jtl1567
Awesome thanks for the photo i had no idea that was there. i will put it up on a lift and take a look. the reason i asked about the exhaust is because i want to replace the current fake dual with side mounted exhaust.
If you need an excuse to change the exhaust, then yes, that's your problem.

But really I am pretty sure you have a modulator issue.

If you chase the metal line up to the engine you will find it also has a small rubber hose connected the the intake manifold, make sure to check it for cracks also.
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 12:18 AM
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haha that just may be my problem :P i was looking at some of the rubber hoses today and they are not in good shape. this corvette sat for 9 years then the guy i bought it from had it running for about 6 months.
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 01:04 AM
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now that i think about it the "leak" i was trying to fix on the transmission pan was on the from passenger side of the pan or appeared to be. so it must be the modulator or a hose near there.
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 02:23 AM
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with The13Bats and Tejasak. Welcome to the world of C3's. You may not be handy with a wrench at the moment, but if you plan on driving your 38 year old Vette for an extended period of time you're going to get pretty familiar with the mechanics of it Keep us posted and good luck.
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 08:55 AM
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Originally Posted by jtl1567
if it is the modulator where can i purchase one? the only places near me are car quest and o'reilly auto parts
They should have, or can get, that part for you. My local NAPA got me one in 24 hours for my TH400. One for your TH350 should be just as easy to find.

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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 12:25 PM
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Awesome! you have all been a ton of help. i thought the repair was gonna cost an arm and a leg but its only like $12! the soonest i can get it up on a lift will be friday or saturday but i will keep you all posted. just looking at the modulator it just pushes into the transmission? Any ideas of a good place to get the side mounted exhaust?
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 02:26 PM
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Originally Posted by jtl1567
Awesome! you have all been a ton of help. i thought the repair was gonna cost an arm and a leg but its only like $12! the soonest i can get it up on a lift will be friday or saturday but i will keep you all posted. just looking at the modulator it just pushes into the transmission? Any ideas of a good place to get the side mounted exhaust?
Yes, it just pushes in. But there is a forked bracket to hold it in place. Just a one-bolt job.

When I removed mine it appeared that the internal diaphragm had developed a pinhole leak and some transmission fluid had found its way in the vacuum tube. This caused some erratic shifting.
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by 13611
with The13Bats and Tejasak. Welcome to the world of C3's. You may not be handy with a wrench at the moment, but if you plan on driving your 38 year old Vette for an extended period of time you're going to get pretty familiar with the mechanics of it Keep us posted and good luck.


I couldnt afford a vette if I didnt do most of the work on it,
Get a good generic auto repair manual, not too new, something that covers the 70-80's not modern computer controlled everything,
Then if you really get into it go for a 78 assembly manual, they are nice to have especially if you are a bit new to vettes wrenching or both,
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 02:55 PM
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Originally Posted by The13Bats


I couldnt afford a vette if I didnt do most of the work on it,
Get a good generic auto repair manual, not too new, something that covers the 70-80's not modern computer controlled everything,
Then if you really get into it go for a 78 assembly manual, they are nice to have especially if you are a bit new to vettes wrenching or both,
He should actually go for the GM version. Can't beat it.

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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by paul 74
He should actually go for the GM version. Can't beat it.

sweet thanks. im going to try and fine one!
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 03:03 PM
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Originally Posted by jtl1567
sweet thanks. im going to try and fine one!
This on EBay right now. I am not permitted by Forum rules to link but just search on 1978 GM Chevrolet Shop Manual.

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