[Mad Machinist]

Hi all

I haven't been on here in a while (or very much) but I thought someone here might have the kind of info I'm looking for.

This is mostly a theoretical situation. I'm going through options to see if my plan will work or not, so some specs are variable (rear end ratio etc.)

I'm trying to figure out how to set up a 2004r to function, essentially, like a manual transmission. I also want to do away with the fussy TV cable. Full manual reverse valve bodies are available, but I have two issues with them. The main line pressure is locked generally very high, so pump life may be limited. Also, they often feature no engine braking, something I want. The shifts may be firmer than what I want too.

I might be able to live without engine braking if there were an easy valve swap or something I could do to lower the line pressure. I was thinking 225-ish? Anyone know anything about this? That would ease up the shifts, too right? But not burn up the bands and clutches?

TCI offers a constant line pressure valve body (set at 200 min), but they say it still needs the TV cable to function properly. Seems more like a safety feature than a solution to me. Would it be more trouble than it's worth to modify it for full manual use? Does anyone think it would work OK if I used this valve body, left the tv cable off and made every shift manually?

Any other ideas are appreciated

If you're wondering about other specs on the car, they're as follows:

1978-86 g-body
350 HP/ 400 TQ low-revving (1000-4000) SBC (305-350 cid) fuel injected
3.0 rear end (in ford 9 inch)
1200-1600 stall converter
225/60/16 tires

To be used as a daily driver. Hoping to get good gas mileage and long life while retaining V8 power.

A true manual transmission swap seems an expensive option and clutch pedal fitment/header clearance appears to be a problem no matter what.

In case anyone is planning to warn me that 2004r's are small and weak, thanks in advance. It seems to me that in stock form, they can't handle much, but modified versions with significant torque capacity appear to be readily available.

Hope there is a Trans Guru out there who can help me out

Thanks

Cole

[SSedan64]

You should post this question on the Turbobuick.com- TransmissionTalk forum section. There are several 2004R specialist on there Chris of CK Trans, Bruce of PTS Extreme, Brian etc. If anyone can answer you, they can

[Mad Machinist]

Thanks for the tip

I'll check things out over there.

[SSedan64]

There's a Guy on TB site that used the TCI Constant Pr VB in Datsun Z with 2004R. The TV cable can be eliminated if you want manual only shifts. If you retain the TV cable it will still control part throttle shift timing.
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/tra...hole-plug.html