Autotrans shifting rapidly on my '84

[elkabong]

Gents,

When I start from a dead stop my auto trans will shift from 1st to 4th rapidly in an extremely short distance and load the engine to a point where it sounds like a diesel truck. If I take off with some what of a lead foot it shifts normally. What should I look for? Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

[VTvette]

Mine did the same thing until I installed a hypertech chip in it. Didn't notice a difference in power, but the shift was more firm and normal.
Dave

 

[Eagle85C4]

When was the last time you had the throttle valve adjusted?

 

[elkabong]

Throttle what? Be gentle. I am new to Corvettes. My 84 has 25k original miles and if the plugs I just took out are a gauge probably never. They looked like original AC Delco's - they even had rust on them. Where is it and how do I adjust it?

 

[evolution]

You can a couple of different route to solve the notorious gear "hunting" that 84s have.

<- Inexpensive route ($30)->
You can buy a shift kit thingy that Ecklers or Corvette Central sell and it bypasses something and something else happens to something and then it shifts smoothly.

<- More expensive but more improvement route ($120)->
You can buy a Hypertech chip (I got a stage II) and it will solve the problem as well (as stated by VTvete). With the Hypertech chip you will have to run high octane fuel because it advances the timing which, with lo-'tane fuel, will result in pinging on WOT.

The driveability increased dramatically with the chip and I personally felt a little more throttle response and power, though a lot of people report it does nothing (as far as power goes).

Oh yeah, GET A 85+ FUEL PUMP! Sooner or later the stock 84 will start to suck. You will floor it and then about 50 yards into your furious acceleration, pbbbbpbpbpthhhh, it'l feel like an anchor was thrown out. The stock 84 pump cant keep the fuel pressure and it is a relativley inexpensive ($110) and easy (1/2 ~ 1-1/2 hour) job.

If you want some of my insight on the pump installation, go to

http://enrich.sdsc.edu/downloadables/fuelPump84inst.doc

It is kinda a step by step I did for another member about a month ago. Not entirely accurate but it was to the best of my reccolection from the project I did about 7 months ago.

 

[evolution]

ROTFLMAO!

I JUST figured your name out. El KABONG!

I wish they still had "The Critic" on Comedy Central. (at least I hope thats where you got elkabong from, otherwise I would feel stupid)

I was playing SOCOM for the Playstation 2 online and someone had that name. I had to switch rooms cuz it was cracking me, so frequently, up. The same went for the screen names, "Donny Walnuts" and "Ricky Apples", I cant play when I am laughing.

/end babble

 

[elkabong]

It was from a cartoon but not the one you are thinking about. It is from the late 60's - early 70's by Hanna-Barbera.

El Kabong has the cape on.

 

[evolution]

Oh yeah!

.......Now I feel stupid

 

[VTvette]

I just feel old. I remember that ,just forgot it was back in the 60's

 

[elkabong]

I have to admit that I needed to look it up to remember the company that produced it.

 

[elkabong]

evolution - thanks for the info. Pepboys has an '85 AC Delco for $89. I have also noticed Carter's for about the same price. Should I stick with AC Delco or go with another mfgr?

 

[elkabong]

I replaced the fuel with an '85 when I drained the tank.

I was thinking of putting in a B&M shift kit regardless. Any recommendations on the setting - Stage 1 for heavy duty or Stage 2 for Street/Strip? Most of the driving will be highway for cruising. My thnking is Stage 2 (Street/Strip) will be harsher on the u-joints and tranny in general. I am leaning towards Stage 1 - but I guess I could always change it if I did not get what I want.

I am still undecided in the chip. I am more interested in overall performance not just WOT. I have read some posts that Jeff the moderator makes chips. I would be interested on thoughts about his/theirs performace chips.

 

[evolution]

AC Delco is fine (unless it is a radio)