1985 Firebird auto tranny

[azfirebird]

Whats Up ya'll! I just picked up an 85 firebird 2.8L V6. It runs great but 1 big problem I have with it. The car doesn not run on start in Overdrive. Let me explain: When you start the car you can NOT move in overdrive. You have to use the regular drive gear. BUT.... after you get over 50 MPH you can shift into overdrive and it will work. The only problem with doing this is that when you put it into overdrive and try to press the gass too hard the car just revs, but if you barely press the gas the overdrive works. All the other gears work ok. They do although seem to be a little clunky when you put it in Reverse and drive. Any suggestion that might save me the rebuild??????

Thanks
AZFIREBIRD

[FormulaLT1]

If you checked the fluid level and its not real old and not low. I would think that your tranny is on its way out and would expect to be replacing it soon and start trying to find a cheap one likem this site helped me replace my tranny. www.car-parts.com

[hotrod_chevyz]

Transmission .its a sticking valve in the transmission.is that the only problem with the shifting?i would put a transmission shift kit in it,and a new torque converter,because the torque converter is fourth gear.

[FormulaLT1]

Originally Posted by hotrod_chevyz

Transmission .its a sticking valve in the transmission.is that the only problem with the shifting?i would put a transmission shift kit in it,and a new torque converter,because the torque converter is fourth gear.

If your refering to the lock up feature as being fourth gear?. yes it does play a part in the overdrive operation of your vehicle but it is not a likely cause of the problem because he stated the vehicle was engaging fine at speeds above 50 MPH. The torque converter must have a minimum speed of around 40 MPH to engage lock up and must already be in overdrive to complete lock up. Also many of the parts found in a shift kit would be replaced in a rebuild as well but it he is already having a problem with slippage a shift kit would most likely create worse sitution for him.(as stated in most shift kits direction the transmission must be in near perfect operation before installing the kit)

[hotrod_chevyz]

I rebuild GM transmissions and engines for a living.A transmission rebuild kit does not come with valve body springs.As a matter of fact a typical transmission rebuild kit doesnt even come with governer springs and bearings. Many other parts that are essential to perform a proper transmission rebuild are also not included.More often than not ,people have a transmission rebuilt,and it fails within the next 30,000 miles because a rebuild kit does not replace the parts most important.Like the steel spacers and govoner for example.Also the problems he has described most often occur in freshly rebuilt transmissions.That transmission could be brand new inside,and all it needs is a fresh fluid and filter and a few adjustments.the problem is most likely in the valve body or governer,i would imagine the governer has gone bad or is sticking and possibly only requires cleaning and inspection.If your pushing it to the floor and it slips out of gear,then the detent system had a malfunction or bad adjustment,or the governer is bad.if it was mine i would put a fresh filter in it,and a new governer.Unless you want to take it out and replace it for such a simple and known problem

[FormulaLT1]

Below are the 2 tranny rebuilds Summit sells for your car and as you can see they both include shift kit/shift improvement. Most quality rebuild kits do offer new valve body springs. and as for the spacer. The only shift kit I know of that uses spacer for a more firm 1-2 shift is transgo, So that wouldn't be included in any other kit.
VendorB&MProduct LineB&M TransKitsTransmission Bands IncludedYesTransmission Clutches IncludedYesTransmission Gaskets IncludedYesTransmission Seals IncludedYesTransmission Filter IncludedYesShift Kit IncludedYesQuantitySold as a kit.


VendorTCI AutomotiveProduct LineTCI Pro Super Transmission Overhaul KitsTransmission Bands IncludedYesTransmission Clutches IncludedYesTransmission Gaskets IncludedYesTransmission Seals IncludedYesTransmission Filter IncludedYesShift Kit IncludedYesQuantitySold as a kit.

[hotrod_chevyz]

I was talking about the steel spacers that fit between each clutch.My personal transmission has kevlar clutches ,and each gear has an extra clutch in every gear.I acually designed a Tool that works with a brake lathe,wich very quickly modifies a chevy trans to support 6 clutches for first and second gear.And you are correct,the shift kit i was referring to is TransGo's *NoYoYo command service kit ,number sk-350.