I've got a 1988 L98 with a shift kit, and I'm having a problem. Earlier tonight, i was showing a friends the car, and when i floored it, it would chirp second then shift to third like normal.

Later on, It wouldn't shift to third. The rev's would hit 6k, and it would only shift when i left off the gas.

Other than this, the car felt normal, ran fine, and didnt seem to shift out of the ordinary. Any help?

 

anyone?

 

PM forum member PeteK.

 

Whenever I have said "watch this" something bad happens.... sorry couldn't resist

 

not quite understanding what your saying?

 

How long has the shift kit been installed?
How many miles on trans?
What brand is the shift kit?
Was the tv cable readjusted as per the factory specifications immediately after shift kit install?

 

Sadly, the symptoms point toward a hurt 3-4 clutch pack.

 

Not sure about Shift Kit specs, or how long it's been installed.
125k
3-4 clutch pack? What exactly is the "fix" to the problem?

Also, it only happens sometimes. Like it worked fine today, and most of yesterday, it was just last night I was having problems.

Tranny shifts smooth other than that one thing.

 

You're not going to like this, but a permanent fix to a worn 3-4 clutch pack is replacement. That will require removal of the trans and opening it up. You may as well rebuild it well at that point. That's not what you want to hear and it certainly wasn't what I wanted to hear before I decided to rebuild my transmission. Speak some more with PeteK about your symptoms to verify the diagnosis.

Jonathan

 

Yeah, but look at all the FUN you had doing it! I can't wait to tear into mine and find exactly what went wrong. Just ordered all the parts and tools today.

 

How much do tranny rebuilds cost? I'm suprised the tranny is only at 125k having this problem. My audi transmission [which i beat the hell out of] has slightly more mileage, is weaker, and still runs fine.

I really didnt need this to happen. The seats/carpet need replaced, adn this car is already startign to becoem a money pit.

 

Did you check the fluid level?

 

When saying, "Watch This!" , 9 times out of 10, always involves $$$ in the long run! I found this out in my younger days of life. I soon learned to keep my mouth shut.
I never quite figured out, what the big deal is, " getting a bite" out of second gear? All it is, is a modded tranny, taking quite of bit of abuse. i think, when a person can smoke the tires, from a standing start, all by engine horsepower, no braking involved, is showing something

 

Not sure what you guys mean when you say "watch this?"

It's not like i was showing off. I was running it out to see what it could do, but I noticed an inconsistancy.

 

125K is quite a few miles. I just rebuilt mine at 80K. Lack of maintenance is said to be a large reason for rebuilds.
I was quoted over 3.5K for my high-performance rebuild by a supporting forum shop. I bought a rebuild kit and tools to DIY from Dana at 700R4l60e.com for $500 +~$300 for specialty tools (like $100 bushing driver kit), and $700 or so for a Vigilante 9.5 in Torque converter. The rebuild should take over 600HP. Keep in mind that I replaced many components in the rebuild that you may not require.

If its only the 3-4 clutch pack - that's less than $50 or so, but you may find other things need replacing when you dig in. Plan on cost for specialty tools too if you DIY. I can loan you them if you DIY. Labor is expensive sometimes, as one forum member experienced, parts are not replaced that were billed.

Um, when we're talking about saying "watch this" is usually when something breaks - kind of like Murphy's Law. These forum members are just sharing their experiences - no reason to get defensive. You are driving a 20 year old car, things are going to need to be repaired/replaced. And sometimes its not the smartest idea to push a 20 year old car to the limit if you're not 100% sure of its previous history. IIRC, you're a younger member that posted before in Tech, so you may not be the first owner.

Good luck,

Jonathan

 

I'm not the first owner, i believe I am the third owner, and yep, I'm a young owner, 18.

My plans are bolt ons+mild cam only, so I'd imagine just a regular rebuild kit should suffice? I'd like a Higher stall TC, but I really need to spend the money elsewhere. The trans is shifting fine now, just wont get into 3rd when WOT. I think Ill just take it easy, and get it rebuilt at the end of winter.

I myself don't have personal knowledge to be rebuilding trans, but thanks for the loan offer. My best friends mechanic/mentor can probably help me out fairly cheap, and he's very experienced. I'm thinking I can get the rebuild kit from the website, and have him install it. Ill have to ask him first though.