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04-21-2008, 09:37 AM   #5 (permalink)
PaceFever79
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 269
Re: C4 won't shift into 3rd gear when cold

Quote:
Originally Posted by ckelly View Post
I think, if the trans is original, that you just have a hard seal problem. 2-3 shift is the releasing of the intermediate band (front band) and the application of the rev/high clutch (in the drum that the intermediate band runs on). If anything gets in the way of that clutch, then you get no third. Sticking piston, messed up VB, etc.
I'd not a "chemical fix" kind of guy, but you can try a can of Trans-X or Seafoam in the trans with fresh fluid and see if there is a change. Surprisingly, that stuff can free up stuck seals for a bit. If a change is noted, then internal trans work is indicated. If no change is noted, then possibly you have a VB issue. You can also pull the VB and do a air pressure test to see how the front clutch responds when cold.
Broader is a good source of C4 performance items and experience.
Ps - I've had decent luck with the B&M kits, less so with the Trans Go stuff. So go figure. After years of screwing with C4s, I've come to the conclusion that VB are like carbs - you get a good one, keep it. And if one gets to not working right it can give you a real rash.
The trans is not original, it was rebuilt and the Transpak added before I purchased the car by the previous owner, that said, I don't know how old the rebuild is, and the car has seen some bracket racing plus some performance street play behind a mild 320hp 306. So it's not original, but it's also not fresh, is what I'm trying to say. If I can get away with a simple fix for a while that would be great as I wasn't planning on doing a trans rebuild at this time. I wanted to wait when I install a 347 motor later this summer. I suppose nobody plans for a trans failure (lol) so if that is the only way to go after I try cleaning the VB and adding some Trans-X then I will cross that bridge at that time.

Thanks for the tips.

Last edited by PaceFever79 : 04-21-2008 at 09:39 AM.
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