In my '84 T-bird, I've replaced the TFI setup with a 4 bbl Holley. Unfortunately, it isn't a Ford baseplate. My buddy and I cut the TV rod mounting point off the throttle body and mounted it to the carb in as close to the right spot as we could get. I think it's pretty close to right.
Now, we're trying to get the TV adjusted properly. Sadly I don't have a perssure gauge so we're going by the adjust and drive method.
We can get it to the point where in 1-3 it's shifting nicely. It's shifting under light throttle about 2200, it's not clunking after heavy accelleration, it will downshift 3-2 at about 45. Life is good.
Except for the 4-3 downshift. On the freeway, cruising about 60 in OD, if I mash the gas it will spin up to about 4500 RPM, seemingly not in gear, and then catch 3rd gear and go after a couple seconds. This obviously isn't right.
What's the problem? We've got two theories. One is that our placement at the carb isn't quite right and we're not getting as much travel on the TV as we should, so at the top end we aren't getting enough pressure. The other theory is that the OD band needs some sort of adjustment.
I'm not certain about our first theory, as I would imagine that if we had that problem it wouldn't drive right in the first 3 gears either. This is my first AOD, however, so I'm not sure how it should behave.
Help? :)
Thanks,
-Bill Wert
The best, though not most cost-effective solution would be a Lokar AOD kickdown cable. Link (http://"http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=LOK%2DKD2AODHT&N=700+115&autoview=sku"). It provides worlds more accuracy over the stock flimsy rod.
you are making your adjustments under the car ill assume?
if not,, thats your next fine adjustment you need to make. IIRC, in park, there should be about 3/4'' of the rod sticking out the bottom of the fitting on the tranny lever.
Also,IIRC, the lever on the tranny should be pointing forward but slightly down. Looking at that leaver and treaing it like an hour hand on a clock,,, it should be between 8 and 9 o'clock. Closer to 9 or level with the ground. Anywhere beyond level with the ground is too far.
meaning, down on the rod where you stuff the spring on the rod then stuff the rod in the hole and lock is position with the little bolt.
this adjustment is the rough setting, the CFI setup had a set screw for fine tune (very sensitive to say the least.
the closer you get the rod to the 8 o'clock, the harder or instantly it shifts. setting it to shift "smooth" only means that there is slippping going on insider there on purpose before the complete gear is in. The quicker it gets into gear equals less slip = less wear on cluch packs = wow , this thing really kicks in hard.
I am pretty sure that lever is controlling the fluid flow or hydraulic fluid presure on the valve bodies. I personally want the most fluid flow for quicker gear engagement.