Kick down switch
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Pickens SC
Kick down switch
I put a 400 trans in my previous 350 turbo car. Im needing to add a kick down switch to the car though. Which is best add a kick down switch and bracket (and whatever else may be needed) from a vette with a 400 or just add a B&M kick down switch? Im trying to find the best way to go.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
i just installed the gm kick down switch in my 72. i have the seats and center console out because i'm changing from a munci. i rate this job up there with changing the p/b booster. if i had to do it again, i'd use an engine mounted switch.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,996
Likes: 79
From: central FL, near the beach.
at the carb. set it to kickdown to match the cam and driving style. with a high rev cam that lacks low end, about 1/2 throttle makes it more fun. I'm thinking of eliminating it and just using a console switch. My combo is strong and doesn't often need 1st once it is moving. I know when i want 1st.
so a switch on the console is real handy with or without a carb switch. u come around a sharp turn and want to nail it on the next straight, but the trans wants to upshift. console switch keeps it in 1st.
so a switch on the console is real handy with or without a carb switch. u come around a sharp turn and want to nail it on the next straight, but the trans wants to upshift. console switch keeps it in 1st.
Last edited by Matt Gruber; Nov 22, 2012 at 04:58 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
I was just in there to replace my throttle cable. I had to remove the LH dash to have room to reach it, and I think you would probably need to do the same to add a kickdown switch. Removing the dash is a PIA, but once it's out, the kickdown is a breeze.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Unless you want to rig something up yourself, getting the 'real deal' from redvetracr is probably the better idea. The accel pedal and hardware is likely the same for most (if not all) C3's, so you can probably just drill and tap yours for mounting the THM-400 kickdown switch to it.
If you rig something up on your own, make sure it is firmly mounted and that the switch is very durable, as well. The switch just needs to be a normally-open switch when not activated; and it should be able to handle at least 10 amps (for it to have a decent safety factor). The little solenoid valve mounted to the valve body plate in the trans needs about 2 amps to fire, as I recall.
If you rig something up on your own, make sure it is firmly mounted and that the switch is very durable, as well. The switch just needs to be a normally-open switch when not activated; and it should be able to handle at least 10 amps (for it to have a decent safety factor). The little solenoid valve mounted to the valve body plate in the trans needs about 2 amps to fire, as I recall.
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