85 auto trans decision time - need advice
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 729
Likes: 4
From: Yukon OK
85 auto trans decision time - need advice
Issue; Bought an 85 and didn't like the way it shifted and took it to a local shop. Mechanic said it had a shift kit installed. (unknown type) I didn't like the extra firm shift anyway and told him to put stock parts back in. He replaced shift plates and valve body, but then it would not shift properly. Seems to have him baffled and he has had it several weeks now. (note that when I say shift plates and valve body I am repeating words that I have no idea what they are or do. I have worked on a lot of engines, but have no experience with auto trans)
Background; Bought this as a fixer/upper at a low price. Intend to use it as a daily driver. No potential for show. Don't race or intend to. Just want it to run well.
Questions;
1. What parts are replaced in shift kit usually?
2. Any ideas on where to look or what to look for to get the tranny fixed?
3. If I have to replace the trans, what is the best bet for my situation?
Been reading the forum for a while. It seems like there is a lot of good experience to tap out there. Hope someone can help.
Thx
Background; Bought this as a fixer/upper at a low price. Intend to use it as a daily driver. No potential for show. Don't race or intend to. Just want it to run well.
Questions;
1. What parts are replaced in shift kit usually?
2. Any ideas on where to look or what to look for to get the tranny fixed?
3. If I have to replace the trans, what is the best bet for my situation?
Been reading the forum for a while. It seems like there is a lot of good experience to tap out there. Hope someone can help.
Thx
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 91
From: Leander TX
Re: 85 auto trans decision time - need advice (LaVidaLoca)
What is the tranny doing? Make sure the guy used corvette 700r4 parts as they are different than the camaro 700r4 parts. My last rebuild guy did this and the car wont shift out of first at WOT. Could be something as simple as the Trannsmition cable (sorry I can't remeber what the name of that is to save the life of me right now :bb ) or a spring, or as bad as bad clutches.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,320
Likes: 4
From: Kyle TX (Because Mojo Made me fill it in)
Re: 85 auto trans decision time - need advice (LaVidaLoca)
Welcome :seeya How is it not shifting correctly? Is it shifting too early, too late, sloppy, to hard? Are all the shifts points on all the gears the same? Did he use a Corvette Valve Body and governor? Was the TV cable adjusted correctly? How does it shift at WOT and normal driving should give most people here a better idea as to what else to suggest.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 729
Likes: 4
From: Yukon OK
Re: 85 auto trans decision time - need advice (LaVidaLoca)
He said something about the governor, but I don't remember if he replaced it or not. He is a former factory trained Chevy mechanic, so I believe he knows about the Corvette/Camaro issue, but I will check with him.
It seemed to shift thru 1st and 2nd OK. 3rd felt like it was slipping at moderate acceleration or when holding speed near the shift point. At a little harder acceleration it would go thru 3rd OK. 4th was similar. Harder acceleration was better. Down shifts were aggressive, even "klunky".
Can't answer question about TV cable. Where is it and what does it do?
[Modified by LaVidaLoca, 4:06 AM 8/1/2002]
[Modified by LaVidaLoca, 4:10 AM 8/1/2002]
It seemed to shift thru 1st and 2nd OK. 3rd felt like it was slipping at moderate acceleration or when holding speed near the shift point. At a little harder acceleration it would go thru 3rd OK. 4th was similar. Harder acceleration was better. Down shifts were aggressive, even "klunky".
Can't answer question about TV cable. Where is it and what does it do?
[Modified by LaVidaLoca, 4:06 AM 8/1/2002]
[Modified by LaVidaLoca, 4:10 AM 8/1/2002]
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 729
Likes: 4
From: Yukon OK
Re: 85 auto trans decision time - need advice (LaVidaLoca)
Since I probably won't be able to answer enough questions to diagnose the problem. Let me go back to another issue. If I have to replace the transmission what options do I have? Are there transmissions like the Camaro that will work? Are there rebuilt units I can order?
I just want to get it back on the road and this is really starting to annoy me. :-(
I just want to get it back on the road and this is really starting to annoy me. :-(
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: chagrin falls,oh,usa
Re: 85 auto trans decision time - need advice (LaVidaLoca)
the vette 700r4 has several unique features. internally the shifting is different ans mentioned earlier because of a different governor as well as the od engagement is different (the vettes allow full throttle without kickdown i believe for higher top end) externally the tailshaft housing is different in order to support the c beam.
if the engine is stock (or relatively stock) a standard rebuild, or a later model vette 700r4 (89 & up) would probably be most cost effective
with money all things are possible.
if the engine is stock (or relatively stock) a standard rebuild, or a later model vette 700r4 (89 & up) would probably be most cost effective
with money all things are possible.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 729
Likes: 4
From: Yukon OK
Re: 85 auto trans decision time - need advice (johndezman)
Thanks for the suggestion to go 89 or above. I am inclined to go that way.
I saw in another post a place to get rebuilt transmissions. It was: http://www.transmissioncenter.net/StockTransShip.htm
Anybody had any experience with them or know a better place to get a replacement transmission?
I saw in another post a place to get rebuilt transmissions. It was: http://www.transmissioncenter.net/StockTransShip.htm
Anybody had any experience with them or know a better place to get a replacement transmission?
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From: Vancouver,Wa.
Re: 85 auto trans decision time - need advice (LaVidaLoca)
There are serial numbers on the passenger side. I know it has something to do with the first 3 digits. Lime lm4 is out of a 84 lm6 is out of a 86.. Mine came out of a camaro so the shop just reused my tail shaft section....
