Shift Points for our classic cars

[73 New Yorker]

My 1973 New Yorker has a 440/4bbl
with dual exhaust and a 727 torque flite transmission with 2.76 gears.
I recently had the transmission filter/fluid changed and the kickdown band adjustment set to specs. The manual lists the following shift points for my car. All numbers represent MPH.

Closed throttle (I assume that means an easy take off from a full stop)
1-2 gear 8-14 /15 2-3 13-18 /25

Wide open (I assume that means flooring it from a full stop)
1-2 gear 31-49 /35 2-3 72-85 /75

The bold numbers are where my car shifts. The “closed throttle” numbers
are slightly off. The “wide open” numbers are in range.
ALL shifts are very smooth and the kick down/passing gear works great.

My two questions are -
1) Does your car shift in ALL the correct shift point ranges?
2) Should I be concerned that my shift point numbers are slightly off for the “closed throttle” shift point ranges even if all shifts are smooth?

Thanks

 

[CBODY67]

The shift points noted in the FSM are for ALL variations of tire size and rear axle ratio. PLUS any production tolerances in the governor itself.

The WOT shift points do not matter how you take off, just what happens at WOT after initial kickdown downshifts have happened.

Without regard to the specs, the car will feel better if the min-throttle 2-3 shift happens a few mph higher. That way, the engine rpm will be more toward 1000rpm and can carry mild acceleration "in high gear" rather than only "on the converter". Closer to 29mph. A slight adjustment to the linkage rod.

The FSM page screenshot looks more like something from the B-body FSM than a C-body FSM, to me.

When we bought the '72 Newport Royal 400-2bbl new, it just felt doggy in normal driving around. The part-throttle kickdown worked, but upshifted too soon. On the 3000 check/oil change, we played with the adjustment a bit to get it to stay in a bit longer, but not be too easy to get to happen. A tightrope, so to speak. The end result was that it felt better to drive. Less throttle and better acceleration.

For diagnostics, get a black 1/8" wide plastic wire tie and put in on the bottom of the slot on the throttle rod, so the throttle stud rests against it. Effectively putting a bit more preload into the rod, temporarily. See if it does not feel better that way. No, it has not caused ANY transmission durability issues on the THREE TFs I've done that to.

Nice looking car.

Just my experiences and observations,\
CBODY67

 

[Boydsdodge]

First. Great to see you back, I have been wondering if you had been on recently and I was just not seeing your posts. I try to adjust my shift points a bit higher then the spec, I adjust the the throttle pressure rod a bit tighter to increase the shift points.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Likely when you hit 25 you probably had a little bit of throttle opening. Can it get to speed with no foot on the gas? Which would give you a true throttle closed. I think you are fine.

 

[MONC440]

I adjust the wide open shift points according to the engine performance. For example a stock 440 might be at peak performance at 3800 rpm so I would adjust it to shift just before that point then test drive it. If the part throttle driving shift points are too high I tweak it from there. If the engine is built to make peak performance at 4500 rpm I would adjust accordingly.

I only worry about the shift points when they are to low, that could indicate that your kick down is too loose and in turn your line pressure will be lower than needed to hold the clutch’s and bands under hard acceleration. The fastest way to burn up your transmission is to leave the kick down unhooked.

 

[6PKRTSE]

I always adjust my shift points up alittle higher. I like a quicker firmer shift. Also, always manual shift my console automatic cars to get the rpms up while driving. My kids thought they were stick shift cars for years. Lol.

 

[CBODY67]

I always adjust my shift points up alittle higher. I like a quicker firmer shift. Also, always manual shift my console automatic cars to get the rpms up while driving. My kids thought they were stick shift cars for years. Lol.

Seems like JCWhitney had some "inline shifters" for manual transmission cars, back then?

 

[Just Carbs]

The part throttle shift points on my 87 Fifth Ave with 2.20 rear needed to be moved up a lot. Otherwise, it's a real dog in town.