Questions from the peanut gallery: I have just installed an SP ST400 from a 1966 Wildcat (401). Trans code is BK. Now for the issues. It goes into gear (P/R/N/D) but won’t upshift out of what I will assume is first gear. I have the kick down connected but don’t have the switch pitch connected. I am planning to use a controller from Bruce Roe. Any thoughts on how to get the trans to shift? Thanks Jim
If the vacuum modulator isn't getting full manifold vacuum, the transmission won't upshift except at WOT high RPM. If the kickdown is getting 12 volts constant, same thing, won't upshift.
The vacuum seems ok. I also tried the modulator from the non-sp with no luck. The kick down is the same as what was on the old trans and is plugged onto the lower (vertical) leg of the switch on the trans.
Measure the vacuum with a gauge. Test the connection for the kick down with a test light or meter. Make sure it isn't constant 12 volts. That will take you all of 5 minutes. I've been on this board since 2002. Plenty of times, a poster says, "no, it isn't that", then, 30 posts later, Ooops, yeah, that was it. The only other thing you could check is the governor. Look for a broken spring or weight, or sticky valve. If not, then you are looking at an internal transmission problem, or linkage problem. Is the fluid level correct?
Thanks......… I will check out the vacuum and power in the morning. I think that the fluid is good but will verify. If that fails then I'll check the governor. Is there any change in the shifter/linkage positioning with the change from D-L to D-2-1?
Try pulling the kickdown connector off the side of the tranny. On my car I had an issue where I had the throttle position switch disconnected, but it was engaged and still sending power to the transmission. The tranny thought I was driving everywhere at WOT and would not upshift....
The '64 ST400 is NOT a variable pitch converter trans so the kick down linkage may not work the way it is suppose to on the switch pitch trans? Maybe Tom T. will chime in, he has been working on these cars since they were new, if anyone knows what the problem is he would.
I did that swap to my 64 Riviera. To properly use manual first gear you will need the shifter from a 65 Riviera, all the linkage pieces, the center console, and the metal piece on the trans tunnel with rubber boot that the shift linkage goes through. This won't fix your current upshift problem.
Thanks for all the info and help. Weather isn’t conducive for test drives so looks like maybe Sunday. I’ll post an update then.
It's ok. There are some advantages to the 65 and newer valve body. Overall, if I was to do again I would add the switch pitch to the 64 trans.
So if I have the switch pitch pump, torque converter, input shaft, case orifice and case connector what is stopping me from making it work in a 64 case?
