My Starfire shifts twice as I thought it should because I always thought they were 3 speed transmissions unlike the 98's which have a 4 speed. On the highway it seems like it should shift again or it has a low rear end ratio because it seems like at 70 the rpm's are too high like maybe it might be 3000 to 3500. Just guessing because the tach doesn't go beyond 2000.
(1) The rear end is original, what ratio was standard?
(2) Are Starfires 3 or 4 speeds?
Thanks for any and all help!!!

 

The Starfire has a "slim jim" trans. It is actually a 4 speed if you count the action of the "accelerotor" in low gear . The accelerotor is contained inside the fluid coupling (torque converter) and you won't notice the shift because it is accomplished hydraulically within the fluid coupling. Similar to the Buick Dynaflow.
BTW the 98's had the same trans. It wasn't like Pontiac that used a larger "Dual coupling" trans in their larger Bonneville and Star Chief models
Stock rear end ratio for a Starfire should be 3.42. So yes, it's gonna seem like a "revver".