[wanderer1931]

I have a 700R4 from a 1983 GM 2wd 5.7 V8 diesel pickup. The transmission specialist here in my town told me it was a good choice and would work well in my 1931 Model A with a mildly modified 327 Chevy motor. I added a B&M shift improver kit, 2400 stall convertor, and a Painless wiring kit. I followed all of the directions to a T, I always do!
Problem- The thing shifts GREAT from 1 to 2 to 3 to 4, all at lower rpm's, up to about 3500 to 4000 rpm, even chirps the tires! BUT- When I lean on the motor a little it does the old powerglide slide from 1st to 2nd and over revs between 2nd and 3rd. As soon as I let off on the gas a little it shifts great again. A friend told me to change the spring in the governor? I can't find anything anywhere in any book that refers to a governor. I've been reading alot about changing out the servo parts and was wondering if the stock Corvette parts would be any better or as good as the JET or TCI or any other aftermarket parts? Are they going to help my "under pressure" shifting, I don't want to waste any more money or blow my transmission apart. Help?? THANX!! Wanderer1931

[Crosley]

Originally Posted by wanderer1931

I have a 700R4 from a 1983 GM 2wd 5.7 V8 diesel pickup. The transmission specialist here in my town told me it was a good choice and would work well in my 1931 Model A with a mildly modified 327 Chevy motor. I added a B&M shift improver kit, 2400 stall convertor, and a Painless wiring kit. I followed all of the directions to a T, I always do!
Problem- The thing shifts GREAT from 1 to 2 to 3 to 4, all at lower rpm's, up to about 3500 to 4000 rpm, even chirps the tires! BUT- When I lean on the motor a little it does the old powerglide slide from 1st to 2nd and over revs between 2nd and 3rd. As soon as I let off on the gas a little it shifts great again. A friend told me to change the spring in the governor? I can't find anything anywhere in any book that refers to a governor. I've been reading alot about changing out the servo parts and was wondering if the stock Corvette parts would be any better or as good as the JET or TCI or any other aftermarket parts? Are they going to help my "under pressure" shifting, I don't want to waste any more money or blow my transmission apart. Help?? THANX!! Wanderer1931

the B&M shift improver kit does not address the shift problems you have.

Buy a TransGo 700-2&3 kit. Follow the instructions real close per the early type of valve body you have.

A vette style servo will improve shifts too.

Was the stock 3-4 clutch pack upgraded ?

I hope you upgraded the 27 spline input shaft and related parts on that 1983 unit.

[wanderer1931]

Thanks for the quick response. I've been reading a lot about the 700 I have and I'm afriad I may just have to keep my foot out of the blower until I can save the scratch for a new beefier 700. I don't beat on my car by any means but I'm normally not afraid to do the stoplight boogie when the urge arises. I've been toning it down this summer while I'm trying to get some info on this early 700. Like I mentioned I was taking the local transmission guru's advice on it being a very good transmission. Now I'm finding out it's just not the best option for my use. I've been pretty tame when I'm too far away from the shop to limp home. Probably a good thing! I'll put your advice on parts to the test in 2006. Originally I put in the B&M kit just as a shift improver. It works fine except when I'm trying to erase some tread and reduce my gas mileage. Oh well, I usually learn from making mistakes, like a lot of DIY hotrodders I'm sure. Thanks again! & THANX!! Wanderer 1931

[MARK TINNELLY]

i had a trans go kit in mine and it was the same as the b & m, there is kit made by ck performance he makes the speciaity kits for TCI check out his website. he cured all my problems with a phone call

[Crosley]

Originally Posted by MARK TINNELLY

i had a trans go kit in mine and it was the same as the b & m, there is kit made by ck performance he makes the speciaity kits for TCI check out his website. he cured all my problems with a phone call

THe B&M kit is not remotely like the TransGo kits. TransGo kits are far superior

I have used Transgo parts for decades

[wanderer1931]

Hey- Thanks a bunch for the advice from Crosley & others. I checked around with another transmission guy and finally bought a "JET" 2-3 Servo and spring from Jeg's catalog for my 700R4. NOW it rips through the gears! The first time I got after it, it went left of center on the 1st to 2nd shift and it did catch me by suprise- just a little. The next time I was ready for it. I've had it out for few runs and it really works great! Now I need to NOT get a ticket for stupid driving so I just may have to retrain my right foot to not show off. Catch you guys later, thanks a bunch for this website!! Wanderer 1931

[Jmark]

Wanderer....

Your local guy steered you in the right direction, its just that the early 700 left lots to be desired. The later ones are much better but still need some upgrades to handle the ponies you are putting out. If you have time, build a later model ('89 to '93) and do some simple upgrades and it'll hold up much better.

Mark

[wanderer1931]

Gotcha Jmark- Yeah, The consensus from everyone is that I rebuilt the wrong transmission. I'll just have to that keep in mind, and that I'm the guy who'll be spending the money for any breakage and repairs from abusing the transmission I have for now. The worst part about breaking a hotrod is YOU have to take it apart and YOU have to get it fixed and YOU have to put it back together and YOU have to sit until it's done, while everyone else gets to cruise and enjoy the warm weather in the summertime. Thanks again for the reminder. Wanderer

[mlhopkins]

You can upgrade to all the later model parts like the corvette servo and the bigger spline or you can just buy a 700 out of a corvette or call Mad Dog Transmissions in Florida. That guy is awesome with 700's and he can steer you in the right direction or build you one to specification.
Mitchell