Hi, I'm new here and new to the g body scene... Also just starting to get into fixing my Cutlass....my 81 Cutlass has a 350 small block (from 71 Cutlass) and turbo 350 automatic in it.... I've been dumping money into it and doing nothing but fixing it.... i just installed a new kickdown Cable and correct bracket for the Holly 4brl 600/ 350 turbo set up.. The problem I'm having now is when the kickdown ingauges and shifts Into last gear (around 55-60 mph). The rmps do not drop when it shifts. It's stay around 2500 rpms and I'm not sure why... Any knowledge would help and is appreciated
CUTLASS Kickdown problems
- Thread starter Gordon81cutty
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I'm not sure what your are saying when "The problem I'm having now is when the kickdown ingauges and shifts Into last gear (around 55-60 mph). The rmps do not drop when it shifts. It's stay around 2500 rpms and I'm not sure why ". The kickdown cable should have nothing to do with shifting into third gear unless hammer down, disconnect the cable and the trans should shift fine under normal driving. We need some more clarification on the problem.
Ok...See I thought the kickdown cable is what shifted the transmission into last gear. (Noob) the transmission doesn't go into last gear but shifts fine though the first few gears. Now that you've said that I'm starting to think it's a bad transmission. ... Sorry for the lesser knowledge...
No worries.
You should only have two shifts with the TH350. The kickdown cable holds it in gear longer under full throttle or kicks it down to a lower gear when you mat the throttle when driving.
Does the it shift twice if put in drive? Does it shift fine if put in first, shift manually to second, then drive?
You should only have two shifts with the TH350. The kickdown cable holds it in gear longer under full throttle or kicks it down to a lower gear when you mat the throttle when driving.
Does the it shift twice if put in drive? Does it shift fine if put in first, shift manually to second, then drive?
Yes. In drive it shifts twice. Once around 10-15 mph and once around 35 mph. That's all I got. To my understanding it should shift once again around 55ish but it doesn't (unless I hammer down to use kickdown cable).
Now that I think about it that would be three shifts. Sorry.... I guess what I'm trying to figure out is why the rpms are so high as i gain speed beyond 35 mph. When I get up to 55-60 the rpms are around 2500-3000. Which I don't think is right.
What gears are in the rearend?
TH350 is 1:1 final drive ratio in high gear, it won't drop revs like a lockup overdrive trans if that's what you're used to.
Was the car originally an OD car?
With a deeper rear gear like an OD car would have, the rpms your turning sound about right...……..
TH350 is 1:1 final drive ratio in high gear, it won't drop revs like a lockup overdrive trans if that's what you're used to.
Was the car originally an OD car?
With a deeper rear gear like an OD car would have, the rpms your turning sound about right...……..
Th350 is a 3 speed. Shifts twice, no matter the speed. 1-2, 2-3. Up or down. The Th350 uses a KICKDOWN cable, as said, and it keeps it in a lower gear for longer if you accelerate from a stop full throttle (mine with a stock governor w/ shift kit upshifts into 3rd at 70mph from a stop, or a 45mph WOT roll) or kicks it down into 2nd below ~50ish mph. Keep in mind, these cars/drivetrains were built when the speed limit on highways was 55. 55 is the perfect speed for these cars. it's at 56+ you notice all the squeaks, rattles, banging, window popout, etc. Above 50 or so unless you have the transmission configured so, it will NOT downshift into 2nd/passing gear. Depending on tire size and rear gear, 2500mph at 60 sounds about right in 3rd gear.
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