Kickdown Switch...
 

When swapping from a manual tranny to an automatic tranny, is it necesarry to have a kick down cable?

It is not nesacery to use a kick down cable. The function of the kickdown cable is to down shift under hard acceleration. (From 3rd to 2nd) on a TH350 andTH400 the kickdown is fairly simple it consists of a cable form the left side of the tranny and a bracket that is mounted on the intake manifold and carb. I think that it would be a good Idea to run one if possible, it will prolong the life of the transmission.

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70 swb restored by myself and some help from this bord!!
I hope to drive it some day!! portland OR

Definately run one, it'll shift real wierd if you don't..

Only the TH350 has a cable, the 400 does it through a switch mounted under the gas pedal.

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1972 Chevy C-20 Cheyenne
Rockaway Beach, Oregon

Depends on how much power your making. If your stock or slightly over stock I would run one because your going to need that downshift at times to keep the rpms/power up(pulling a trailer/boat etc...)That is the only function of a kickdown cable on a TH350/Switch on a 400 is for "passing gear" or kickdown to the next lower gear or prolong a shift under full throttle. But, if your hot roddin around town a kickdown is the last thing you want in my opinion... Its to unpredictable. You wouldnt want a 3-2 downshift on slightly wet roads (least not in mine and I know there are more out there that are faster). I'm sure there are plenty to argue differently lol but thats why I dont run one.

Just depends on personal preferences,if the power is there and your not pulling a trailer, I would say leave it off and shift yourself.
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piston@zkast.com
'71 LWB
350/350T, PS/PB
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Garrett - Olathe, Kansas

[This message has been edited by Zkast (edited May 25, 2002).]