2004-r won't shift under heavy throttle

[TrevorBrian]

I just put a 2004-r from an 87 Monte 4.3 behind the 350 in my 72 Olds Cutlass. (I know, potentially weak tranny in stock form, but it was a working unit and I'm trying to get by on a budget ) The tranny had no chunks in the pan and the oil was red and not burnt.

Before installing the tranny I did the Transgo SK 2004r shift kit except for the spring replacement for the PR (?) valve (couldn't get it out of the pump and didn't want to mess with it). I replaced as many of the gaskets and seals that I could get to by taking everything out except for the clutch packs - basically I took out the pump, but didn't delve any deeper behind that. I pulled the valve body and everything underneath and followed the Transgo instructions for all the parts in the VB it replaced.

Here's the problem: if I feather the throttle, it behaves as intended (or so it seems). Upshifts properly, and I can down shift it with the shifter. However, if I lay on the throttle, either from a stop or underway, the tranny won't downshift or upshift. If I'm doing 40 and go WOT, it just bogs and never changes gear. It's almost like its slipping, but its not because the RPMs don't seem to increase like they would in a slipping tranny.

Help!

[SSedan64]

Did you hookup the TV/ThrottleVavle cable? Did you adjust it correctly?

[TrevorBrian]

yes, the TV cable is connected and yes it is adjusted.

[SSedan64]

Could be a governor problem since the part throttle shift seem to work. Maybe some of the experts on here will chime in and help.

[TrevorBrian]

I double checked the adjustment on the TV cable.

Now the transmission is really holding the gear, even at normal throttle when I think it should be upshifting. I have to take my foot off the gas pretty much to get it to shift up.

Hope someone out there can give me something specific to look into. thanks in advance.

Brian

[87buickracer]

did you check your line pressure?

[mybuick]

got the same problem here.

[TrevorBrian]

87buickracer - thanks for your response. I have not checked the line pressure, as I don't have the tools and wasn't sure this was an avenue to pursue. have you seen a low line pressure situation with the same symptoms I have?

mybuick - you mean you HAD this problem? Or are you experiencing it currently?

[mybuick]

experiencing it currently

even though the trans in my gn is a 1986 na regal trans 200-4r. it is a 9by trans because when it was rebuilt in college it wouldnt shift when i built it like a brf trans. so after i found a 9by on the case and put the check balls in the 9by places then it shifted but at full throttle it wont upshift until i get off the gas then the rest of the shifts are fine at full throttle mostly its a 1-2 shift problem i have