I bought a TSP VP-400 transmission about 2 years ago. Due to other commitments I'm am just now getting to the point of where I can have it put in. Currently my 69 buick skylark 4 door has a ST-300 in it, well whats left of one. It went out a while back. My question is what all do I need to make sure that the transmission shop does since the transmission is a variable pitch? Basically they are going to be cutting the drive shaft, putting on a new yoke, moving the cross member back, changing speedo gears, and redoing the cooler lines. Is there anything else? I know the transmission has to be wired for the VP switch, but I'm not sure where I want to put it yet. Does it have to be hooked up before I can drive it, or will it just always be in high or low until I get the switch working. I'm asking about the switch to change the torque converter not the kickdown.
Tom, Like Devon Said, you'll be in low stall without 12 volts to the horizontal connector. Even if you don't know where you want the switch, it's such a simple thing to hook up, that you really should. My advice is to buy a pushbutton type switch.(like the ones that are used for a transbrake or line lock) Wire one end of the switch to a key-on 12 volt source, the other end to the transmission. Put the switch on your shifter, or steering wheel. The pushbutton switches will have a spring in them so all you have to do is push when you want high stall, and let it go for low stall. The only time you'll use high stall is when you launch, or at a stop in gear (if you have a big cam). The pushbutton type switches are perfect for this. Just my .02
Alright, thanks for the information on the VP switch. One of the push button type switches sound like they would work nicely. Other than that, is there anything I should make sure the transmission shop does other than the above mentioned things? cutting the drive shaft, putting on a new yoke, moving the cross member back, changing speedo gears, and redoing the cooler lines Thanks again.
No, It's the same as a fixed pitch trans install. I assume they know how to do that. You can install the switch, and all they have to do is install the one wire.
