Cascade Crew

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

I need to do something if I want to make it to Portland for. Dyno day. So I need to know what's easeir between the two. And what's least expensive. At this point in time though easier is better. I figure if I q leastwise do one of the two options now it will by me time to do the other later. So all and any input is appreciated.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 11:43 am Post subject:

TC lockup vacuum operated costs about $70 last time I checked.

Trans cooler will not "fix" the non lock up issue.

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

I know it wont " fix " it, but I figure it will keep tranny cool enough to keep it from blowing. I still will get sh$$y gas milage. I was looking into the vac operated lockup similar to Canadian carbed cars, but I don't think I am smart enough to do it.

chevymad · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 12:48 pm Post subject:

It's very easy. You need a vacuum switch, a delay valve, and a cruise control brake light switch. Electrically the switches are hooked in series between power and the tcc terminal on the transmission. Any switch will break the connection and make the tcc unlock. Ported vacuum is hooked to the delay valve and then to the switch. Without the delay valve the tcc will cycle lock/unlock quickly on hills. I think parts can still be bought new from parts houses. Ask for pieces to an early 80s van with 700r4. Part #s can be found online as well of course.

Alphius · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 1:59 pm Post subject:

Vacuum delay valve... Where would I find one of those? My brother's Trans Am has the TCI lockup kit which doesn't have a delay valve, and it does cycle the TCC lock on and off at a certain speed/throttle position. It is a little annoying but we have the sensitivity tuned so it doesn't do it at freeway speeds... anymore.

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

On another note, on freeway I am at 2100 rpm at 70. So with that being said is my tranny getting to much wear?

chevymad · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 2:36 pm Post subject:

Vacuum switch is gm part # 14014519 or napa TCL101.

It's possible to need the 4th gear only internal pressure switch. But I don't think we do. It's gm # 8627332

Vacuum delay valve is gm # 14020691

This stuff can be found on non ecm controlled 80s chevy trucks if you go junkyard hunting.

turbo_jimi · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:12 pm Post subject:

chevymad · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:24 pm Post subject:

Lockup to non lockup is usually only about 300rpm.. Though my truck was closer to 1000 because it was much heavier then the car the convertor was designed for.

The rpm difference isnt the real issue though. The amount of fluid going to the cooler is the big deal. From my reading, when not locked up, only about 70% of normal flow goes through the cooler. The rest goes into the convertor. Why GM designed them this way is beyond me, since its totally backwards from how it should work.

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

Will a cooler at least by me some time with tranny. I have read and reread about TC lockup. I don't feel confident I could do it. So at a later date, I have a job now, I will pay a shop to do it or ill go manual

Alphius · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 6:58 pm Post subject:

The cheap and ghetto way is to wire a switch up to the TCC wire and use that to manually turn the lockup on when you're on the highway.

Even with an external cooler, not having lockup is nearly a death sentence on the highway with a 700R4.

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

I don't even know if I have TC wire anymore after the swap. But I have no problems going it ghetto off a switch. I jusyvwant to be able to bring it to dyno day

aaron_sK · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 10:50 pm Post subject: