I tested the switch and it is working, however, it is not engaging fully unless you are at WOT, so essentially i have no kickdown while cruising around. When I get into the throttle at low speeds, the trans doesn't downshift, instead I just get the secondaries to come on. When looking at the linkage, I cannot figure out if there is an adjustment that moves the "wheel" closer to the plunger. It does not appear that there is. Also, it is a correct dual quad kickdown switch bracket. Any input appreciated. Thanks, W
1964 valve body is 1 year only. It probably does not have a part throttle kick down just like the later 65-67 switch pitch valve bodies. You need a switch pitch, at least you'll get high stall, then a kick down at WOT. http://www.buickperformanceclub.com/SPTrans.htm
OK, that makes sense then, guess I just need to drive with a heavier foot. Ha. Yes, forgot to include that the car now has a 65 ST400 with SP (although I do not have the SP wired in). Thanks guys.
Get the switch pitch working. The change to high stall will feel like a kick down. The reason the valve body has no part throttle down shift is because Buick intended the car to accelerate on the converter. The SP was controlled by the throttle switch and another switch higher up on the linkage. It was supposed to be in high stall at idle, low stall off idle, and back to high stall above 60% throttle.
OK, thanks Larry. I have done some research into this and have seen that guys who have converted their trans to a SP wired it into the windshield washer button/switch. I am still confused on exactly what parts I would need to make this work, but I see now (thanks to your explanation) why it is important from a performance perspective.
It is VERY SIMPLE. You can use a toggle switch, or any switch for that matter. On the driver's side of the transmission, is the case connector with 2 spade connections. The vertical one is the kick down. Apply 12 volts there, it downshifts the transmission if the valve body will allow it. The horizontal one is the stator control. Apply 12 volts, you get high stall, take it away, low stall. You can use any switch. One side goes to key on 12 volts, the other side goes to the transmission. Some guys also wire it to the brake switch so they have high stall when the brake is on. If you really want a slick way to control it, buy a control box from Bruce Roe on the V8 board. http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?members/bruce-roe.27974/ More information in these threads, http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/switch-pitch-wiring.251643/#post-2060045 http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/switch-pitch-controls.240815/#post-1966286 http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/switch-pitch-tranny-controls.212509/#post-1708291 http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?th...es-electronic-controller.190075/#post-1663402
Larry, thanks man. This is very helpful, I am now focused again on getting this to operate properly. I had put this on the back burner for too long. Bruce will be hearing from me.
Hi Warren, Why not convert to a factory `65 kickdown switch?? This will provide the high stall switch at part throttle and the full gear kickdown at WOT....unless you want manual control? Tom Mooney
I suggested Bruce Roe's electronic control box since the original switches aren't reproduced, and they don't exactly grow on trees
