81 Trans Noise
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Livermore California
81 Trans Noise
Ive got an 81 with a three-speed automatic(TH350?). Sitting at a stop or moving slowly(foot off gas, idle pushing car) I hear a high pitched, kinda sound. I only hear it in R,2,1. Does this moving straight or turning. It goes away in Park, Neutral, 3, and when you step on the gas. Its been doing this for years. Now that I belong to a forum where you awesome guys know your stuff, I'm curious. 
Can anyone help me out?
Also looking into autocross/roadracing this car. What ATF is a good replacement(harder, quicker shifts, durable, etc).
Can anyone help me out?Also looking into autocross/roadracing this car. What ATF is a good replacement(harder, quicker shifts, durable, etc).
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Just a guess on the squeel, but I'd check your fan belts. That's what it sounds like to me. Easy fix too.
If you want harder shifts, you probably will need a shift kit. Not too hard to install and certainly not very expensive. I'd just stick with the regular Dextron III fluid.
If you want harder shifts, you probably will need a shift kit. Not too hard to install and certainly not very expensive. I'd just stick with the regular Dextron III fluid.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Livermore California
Its not a belt noise. Im 90% sure its in the trans/conveter as the sound only occurs when in R,1 and 2. It is quiet while in 3(3 on the shifter meaning gears 1,2,3 all being used) so I dont think its a "under load" issue as much as a "lower gear" issue.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Livermore California
Also, what shift kit do you guys reccomend? Im looking for somthing that upshifts and downshifts hard and fast but gives me "full auto" in 3. Ive been looking at the summit catalog; B&M, TCI, Transgo, Hurst are all listed. B&M & Hurst are the ones Ive heard of. What experiences have you had with them?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 0
From: Beacon NY
I just completed installing a B&M shift kit in my TH350 about 2 months ago. However, I still don't have my Corvette running yet so I can't tell you how well it works.
For $200 I purchased a B&M shiftkit from Summit (part number BMM-30229). It came complete with friction material, springs, gaskets, oil filter and instructions. As someone who knew nothing about working on a transmission, I was able to install the shiftkit mylelf with only a few issues. Just make sure you have a torque wrench and some feeler gauges. Some of the piston seals are a serious pain in the *** to install and a few of the snap rings are also a complete pain in the *** to remove.
Also, the instructions that came with the shift kit were half-assed at best. If you are going to install the shiftkit yourself, buy the book by Ron Sessions called "Turbo-Hydromatic 350 Handbook". The additional instructions and pictures in this book will help you put your transmission back together
For $200 I purchased a B&M shiftkit from Summit (part number BMM-30229). It came complete with friction material, springs, gaskets, oil filter and instructions. As someone who knew nothing about working on a transmission, I was able to install the shiftkit mylelf with only a few issues. Just make sure you have a torque wrench and some feeler gauges. Some of the piston seals are a serious pain in the *** to install and a few of the snap rings are also a complete pain in the *** to remove.
Also, the instructions that came with the shift kit were half-assed at best. If you are going to install the shiftkit yourself, buy the book by Ron Sessions called "Turbo-Hydromatic 350 Handbook". The additional instructions and pictures in this book will help you put your transmission back together
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
My 80 does this as well, especially in reverse. As long as the car keeps moving, I am not too worried about it. It has done it for years. I bet if I disconnect the vaccum line from the intake, behind the carb that goes down to the tranny, it would stop. I think it is related to that vauum line. You might troubleshoot starting there and see where it leads you.
