Today was the first actual "cold" day in Texas (65 degrees ), so I don't know if this had anything to contribute to the demise of my transmission. When I put the transmission in reverse, the car did not lurch as much as it normally does. The same applied when I put it in drive. So that was my first clue something was wrong.

When I started driving, I barely felt the first 2-3 shift. Normally, it gives a little kick. Also, the torque converter took longer than usual to lock up. As I drove more, the shift got worse. It seemed to start taking longer to actually shift. But when it shifted, third gear worked just fine. Then all of the sudden, it stopped working. Now if I give it any gas in third, the car doesn't go anywhere. It doesn't seem to be shifting into overdrive, either. First and second gear seem to be working great, and the 1-2 shift is still really nice. It was a tiny bit low on transmission fluid, but half a quart brought it over the full mark. The fluid also smells burnt.

I haven't had problems with this transmission before today. I bought it from another board member a few months ago, and he says it was built. So, does anybody have an idea of what happened?

 

You lost the 3-4 clutch pack (very common) on these units.

 

Well, that's great. I thought it would be something like that. Is there any general contributing factor that would have caused this to happen? I'm not even pushing 450 hp.

 

so yea, same thing i have going on, anybody have mroe input, and is he correct when he says 3-4 clutch pack? shouldnt it be 2-3 clutch pack.

 

The stock 6 count clutch setup needs more clutches, and the later Borg Warner Hi-Energy clutches do well here. I would increase the count to 8, add the modified Trans-Go Performance Shift kit, and the Corvette servo (if you do not already have one). There is much more, but these changes to the 3-4 clutch pack, have worked very well for me for many years.

 

For sure it's the 3-4 clutch, it's also the 2-4 band. It works like this for 2nd: 2-4 band on, 3rd: 3-4 clutch on , band off, 4th: 3-4 clutch on 2-4 band on...as you can see no 3-4 (burned) no 3rd or 4th. It could be several things keeping these clutchs burned up, there are 8-11 external to the transmission controllers that have an effect on line rise..any onr of these could be bad. But I'd agree with Dana (pro built) you need to start with a better set up and a transgo for starters...Hope this helps Dave