6/11/03

QUESTION 1

I have a Jeep CJ-5 with a 383 Chevy with a Turbo 400 out of a '78 Chevy 4x4 Dana 300 transfer case with a Novak adapter to mate it to the tranny. The motor is brand new and runs strong; the tranny is rebuilt from my local tranny shop. I got a new converter and shift kit (towing package). I also have Dana 44 differential with 396 gears front and back, and 35-inch tires. All gear ratios in the tranmission and tranfer case are factory. Also, my vacuum is at 13 pounds at the carb when idling. I do not have a vacuum cannister.

The tranny seems to shift great, but it seems that I don't have any real power. I can put it in reverse and burn the tires up all day long; in drive it won't even bark the tires. High or low range, it does not matter. I put it in low range and just nailed the gas out of frustration and it seemed like it was slipping or something, but in reverse, I kissed the windshield and lit the tires up.

From this info, can you give me some suggestions on where to start on fixing this thing? It should just stand up and scream, but instead I've got a gas guzzling grocery getter.

I have about 50 miles on this entire rig. Everything is new.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

John Long
Indiana

ANSWER 1

John,

Reverse pressure in the trans is almost doubled. This may have something to do with what's going on. Otherwise, I would have a good hard look at the torque converter-camshaft match. If the converter is too tight or if there is an internal problem with the trans, it could be a dead dog.

Normally, if something is slipping in the trans, it won't be long till it's burnt up. A trans pan inspection could show that.

Mike

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QUESTION 2

Mike,

I have a '98 Vette automatic transmission and a 4-speed. My idea is to do cam work gears. I want to run 12's, but they say I need a better torque converter. What do you recommend? I'm going with 342 gears. I need help on the torque converter.

Thanks.
Lee

ANSWER 2

Lee,

A torque converter can make all the difference off the line, along with the cam change. We had a 2002 Chevy pickup here at my shop not too long ago that had some work done to it. The torque converter was loosened up by Continental Torque Converters in Inglewood, California. It really fit the combination well, and I was surprised how well the truck accelerated.

Mike

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