Giddy

So I was driving my 1970 442 the other day and it wouldn't downshift when I punched it. I am positive it used to do this. It recently had a rebuilt carb put on it until I can get the original's inlet fixed. Is there a vacumm line that controls the downshifting that could have got screwed up? It also seems like it doesn't have as much power as it used too. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

MDchanic

Check the kickdown switch above the gas pedal, and the kickdown wire connector plug on the side of the transmission.

- Eric

Giddy

Ok I will give that a look. Thanks

BlackGold

FYI, the (electrical) kick-down switch only controls downshifts whne you go to wide-open throttle, ie floored. Part-throttle downshifts are controlled through the vacuum modulator.

As an aside, one of the nice things about the Olds TH-400 is that it'll downshift all the way from 3rd to 1st if conditions warrant it. (I'm not sure if any other GM makes did this, but I heard that Olds was the first to do it.) I'm always annoyed with more modern transmissions which downshift in stages 3-2-1. What a waste of time, when what I really wanted was first!!!