Change T-350 shift points

Status
Not open for further replies.

Bonnewagon

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Supporting Member
Sep 18, 2009
10,536
14,217
113
Queens, NY
This T-350 was originally behind a W-72 301 engine and I guess it was set up to shift at a fairly high rpm. Now it is behind a 400 and still shifting way too high for such a torque monster. What is the best way to lower the shift points? Governor? Modulator? I know little about automatics.
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
Yes

start with governor
 
  • Agree
Reactions: 1 user

Bonnewagon

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Supporting Member
Sep 18, 2009
10,536
14,217
113
Queens, NY
Ok I see some YouTubes showing the governor kits. Do you know if the kits have the parts to lower the shift point? All the references I see claim to raise it. YouTube videos show shaving weight off the stock weights or using lighter ones. I guess I need heavier weights?
 

timo22

G-Body Guru
Sep 10, 2012
550
1,072
93
St. Louis,Mo
I would start with the modulator. Most modulators are adjustable. use a small screwdriver and inside the vacuum end of the modulator is an adjustment screw. I believe you will need to screw it clockwise to lower the shift points. I would try that before digging into the governor..
timo22
 
  • Like
  • Agree
Reactions: 1 users

MrSony

Geezer
Nov 15, 2014
6,791
6,674
113
Des Moines, Iowa
from what I've surmised, governor only controls WOT upshifts, modulator controls part throttle up/down shifts, and then the detent cable is well, detents. But only upto a certain speed. In my case, since my gear change my car will only downshift 3-2 from 35mph, not 45mph like it used to. I think if I mod the gov. it will let me do it at a higher speed again.
 

Bonnewagon

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Supporting Member
Sep 18, 2009
10,536
14,217
113
Queens, NY
That's why I asked. Lots of opinions about what does what. Has anyone actually done it? And if so what did you do?
 

vanrah

G-Body Guru
Apr 16, 2013
879
1,189
93
Near Afton, Wisconsin
Greetings Guys; From my experience Mr Sony is correct!
from what I've surmised, governor only controls WOT upshifts, modulator controls part throttle up/down shifts, and then the detent cable is well, detents. But only upto a certain speed. In my case, since my gear change my car will only downshift 3-2 from 35mph, not 45mph like it used to. I think if I mod the gov. it will let me do it at a higher speed again.
Bonnewagon, buy a new modulator, adjustable for sure, maybe a B & M? And when ya pull off the vacuum hose if fluid comes out you will know you found one problem. No fluid should come out, if it does the diaphragm is ripped! The lower - kick down cable on carb will pull the trans down a gear if adjusted correctly? This cable is related to some ball checks - springs in the valve-metering body as to how, when to pull back to first or second gear. The Governor does control the full on shift. Generally OE governors shift too soon at full on. And yes the B & M kit will allow you to shift MUCH sooner also. I purchased two kits allowing me to dial in to a 100-200 RPM range. With only one kit you will be challenged to get within 400 RPM of where ya want to be. Hope I helped, Ole' Bob.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

Bonnewagon

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Supporting Member
Sep 18, 2009
10,536
14,217
113
Queens, NY
Yes Bob, thanks. I was looking at the modulator first because in my old Firebird I had found and adjusted that little screw inside the hose end. As I recall it really didn't do much. I've never seen fluid come out so I guess I have been lucky so far. I had been told about the governor but I have never even opened one so I am on a learning curve here.
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
I had those adjustable modulators, never seen any change with them.
 

Bonnewagon

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Supporting Member
Sep 18, 2009
10,536
14,217
113
Queens, NY
Turna does a governor kit come with stock weights? Or are they all lighter?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

GBodyForum is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Classic Truck Consoles Dixie Restoration Depot UMI Performance

Contact [email protected] for info on becoming a sponsor