My 1969 Cutlass S has a 455 BB from a 1973 delat 88 and 400 auto trans. For some reason it doesnt have a kickdown cable. I just restored the engine and didnt even think about looking or investigating why there was no cable. Any theories?
-69CutlassAlex

 

The TH400 doesn't use a cable. It uses an electrical switch to control kickdown.

 

the TH 400 don't have a cable. it operates from an electric switch that mounts at the gas pedal. it plugs into the transmission near the shift shaft. if your car didn't have this originally you will need to add it to make it work. they are not that hard to wire up. if you need help with that we can help explain it, maybe get you some pics if need be. thebiggest thing is getting the bracket and switch for the pedal.

 

So will installing this switch give me a passing gear? The car kicks down perfectly but I dont have a passing gear.

 

I'm guessing that your Cutlass originally came with a 350/TH350 drivetrain. That trans DOES use a cable kickdown. The TH400 was used in the 442s, which are the same body as the Cutlass. You will need a gas pedal assembly and kickdown switch for the TH400. Used parts are available (any 1968-72 GM A-body car) or repros are also available. The wiring should be already in your harness, taped up out of the way.

 

When you put the throttle down and the trans 'kicks down' that is 'passing gear'. The vacuum modulator controls the delay in each shift under heavy acceleration. the electrical switch actually forces a 3-2 downshift, which is commonly referred to as 'kickdown' or 'passing gear'

 

No, it doesn't. What you are likely feeling is the secondaries on the carb opening. As noted, without the switch to operate the solenoid valve, there can be no kickdown.

 

Note that if you don't get it working this could lead to blowing out the seals. I had a 400 swapped into my '70 before I bought it. I installed the switch and the wiring was there. It was too late for me as the front seal was already leaking even though it was rebuilt.

 

My 72 with a 455/400 didn't originally have a kickdown switch on the accelerator pedal. My car got up and went pretty quick even without it. I installed the switch and wired it in (took 10 minutes). Now, I have all sorts of fun when kicking it down. The one thing I wish it would do is kickdown to first gear when travelling at lower speeds/rpms; then it would be even more fun.

 

 

What year/model? Cars where the TH400 was an available option have the wire already built into the harness (yes, the wire is there even if the TH400 was not ordered).

 

 

Does having a his and hers shifter eliminate the drop-down option when the car is in the regular PRNDS1 side ?

 

I don't know what this has to do with the thread you resurrected, but no. There is only one shift cable that runs from the shifter to the trans and one manual selector shaft on the trans. The trans neither knows nor cares which side of the dual gate the lever is on.

 

Sorry