I've noticed that my car's transmission seems to be acting up a bit more lately and I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on what might be the cause. The car is a bone stock 69 Cutlass with a 350 / turbo 350.

When the car is cold, it has no problems shifting or driving. Once up to temp (and especially on hot days) it seems to slip a bit off the line. As a result, I'm very easy on it until it hooks and then I can put my foot into it more if I want/need to. I drive it like Grandma most of the time.

I also noticed that when shifting to park and then back to drive, when hot it seems to take it's time engaging. On a couple of really hot days I've actually had to shut her down and wait a bit for it to cool. The car does not have a transmission cooler.

The tranny fluid and filter were changed last summer and the fluid seemed fine. No apparent issues.

So my question is, does the issue sound more like a problem with the converter or with the tranny? Regardless, I was thinking of installing a cooler anyway so should I just try it to see if the problem goes away?

The longer term plan was for a tranny overhaul with a shift kit for crisper shifts and a 2500 stall. I'd match that up with future plans for a new rear end and some engine mods. So I'm not too worried if the tranny overhaul is the ultimate solution either.

Looking forward to hearing from the experts out there.

Cheers,
Mark

 

Check the fluid level warmed up with the engine running and in park. If it's not low, then you need to get it checked out. It probably is the trans.

 

Sounds to me like that transmission is about to fail. Time to find a good transmission shop in your area.


Transman

 

Thanks guys. I've checked the fluid and it looks good so I guess it's time to look around for a transmission overhaul...

 

I would do a band adjustment 1st that's what it sounds like to me

 

Time to add a trans cooler too!

 

The th350 has a non adjustable band.

 

ok didn't relize that been working on a lot of dodges lateiy