TH350 Governor/Shift weights

[JP1738]

Hello all. As most know, I burned up the first turbo 350 I had for my M/SA Malibu wagon. Since then, I bought another to get back going for a really good deal with the agreement that I'd give the burned up one back to the guy who sold me the new one. Anyway, that's not important.

The new trans has a built-in auto 1-2 which is really handy for my combo given that first gear has a 2.74 ratio and comes on very quick. I like using the auto 1-2 but the shift is way late. According to my motor man (Mark Lewis) I need to be hitting the 1-2 somewhere in the neighborhood of 6000-6200, but the auto 1-2 has it shifting at 6700. It's definitely slowing the car down shifting so late. From what I understand, I can adjust the governor on the side of the trans to get the shift in sooner. I've found some spring and weight kits on summit that I think would help me adjust it to where it needs to be.

Does anyone have any good resources on what combo of springs and weights would get me close to my desired shift point? I'm sure that all transmissions and valve bodies are not created equal, so I don't know if what works for one guy will work for another, I'd just like somebody to ball park it for me so maybe I don't have to have it apart 89 times trying every combination. I don't know what the trans has in it at the moment, hoping to get it apart and examined tonight. Maybe there's a chart somewhere that shows what weights/springs get you what shift point, or maybe there's a particular governor kit I need that a stock one won't suffice. Honestly I do not know but hoping to learn. If anybody can point me in the right direction, that'd be great.

[Jim Kaekel]

If I recall correctly, the B&M kit includes a chart with weights/springs and how it affects shift timing. It will just be a matter of seeing what you currently have prior to making a change. It may take a couple of tries to get it where you want it.

[Jim Cimarolli]

Examine the governor you have now. There is probably just one of the weights that has been changed. I ran this type of trans for decades. You will need a heavier weight than the one you now have. The aftermarket weights are usually numbered. for example number 1 being the heaviest and number 5 being very light. I have several of them here that are left over if you want to PM me. Jim

[JP1738]

Originally Posted by Jim Kaekel

If I recall correctly, the B&M kit includes a chart with weights/springs and how it affects shift timing. It will just be a matter of seeing what you currently have prior to making a change. It may take a couple of tries to get it where you want it.

I figured as much. I'll look into the B&M kits first.

[Henrys Toy]

Originally Posted by JP1738

Hello all. As most know, I burned up the first turbo 350 I had for my M/SA Malibu wagon. Since then, I bought another to get back going for a really good deal with the agreement that I'd give the burned up one back to the guy who sold me the new one. Anyway, that's not important.

The new trans has a built-in auto 1-2 which is really handy for my combo given that first gear has a 2.74 ratio and comes on very quick. I like using the auto 1-2 but the shift is way late. According to my motor man (Mark Lewis) I need to be hitting the 1-2 somewhere in the neighborhood of 6000-6200, but the auto 1-2 has it shifting at 6700. It's definitely slowing the car down shifting so late. From what I understand, I can adjust the governor on the side of the trans to get the shift in sooner. I've found some spring and weight kits on summit that I think would help me adjust it to where it needs to be.

Does anyone have any good resources on what combo of springs and weights would get me close to my desired shift point? I'm sure that all transmissions and valve bodies are not created equal, so I don't know if what works for one guy will work for another, I'd just like somebody to ball park it for me so maybe I don't have to have it apart 89 times trying every combination. I don't know what the trans has in it at the moment, hoping to get it apart and examined tonight. Maybe there's a chart somewhere that shows what weights/springs get you what shift point, or maybe there's a particular governor kit I need that a stock one won't suffice. Honestly I do not know but hoping to learn. If anybody can point me in the right direction, that'd be great.

Good morning to all,
Didn't Paul Forte from Turbo Action pioneer that set up the 90's?
You might just want to do some research on that. You'll probably have to get under there a couple of times. Also as you make more power you'll have to adjust it some more in the future, but its all good. You should take a look at what's in there. Maybe ask the racer you borrowed the trans from if he's got some guidance for you.
Good luck on you journey.

Respectfully,
Henry Kunz

[Charles Stewart]

This link may help you.
https://www.jegs.com/InstallationIns.../555-62070.pdf

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by JP1738

Hello all. As most know, I burned up the first turbo 350 I had for my M/SA Malibu wagon. Since then, I bought another to get back going for a really good deal with the agreement that I'd give the burned up one back to the guy who sold me the new one. Anyway, that's not important.

The new trans has a built-in auto 1-2 which is really handy for my combo given that first gear has a 2.74 ratio and comes on very quick. I like using the auto 1-2 but the shift is way late. According to my motor man (Mark Lewis) I need to be hitting the 1-2 somewhere in the neighborhood of 6000-6200, but the auto 1-2 has it shifting at 6700. It's definitely slowing the car down shifting so late. From what I understand, I can adjust the governor on the side of the trans to get the shift in sooner. I've found some spring and weight kits on summit that I think would help me adjust it to where it needs to be.

Does anyone have any good resources on what combo of springs and weights would get me close to my desired shift point? I'm sure that all transmissions and valve bodies are not created equal, so I don't know if what works for one guy will work for another, I'd just like somebody to ball park it for me so maybe I don't have to have it apart 89 times trying every combination. I don't know what the trans has in it at the moment, hoping to get it apart and examined tonight. Maybe there's a chart somewhere that shows what weights/springs get you what shift point, or maybe there's a particular governor kit I need that a stock one won't suffice. Honestly I do not know but hoping to learn. If anybody can point me in the right direction, that'd be great.

On 350's . I'd probably put the two heaviest stock springs you can find in it and see what happens. If too low, take one heavy spring out and replace it with one soft one.
Sometimes I would trim a weight or add a bit of weld to one or two.
400 springs and weights are the same, but not the whole governor. The top and drive gears are different.

[FED 387]

i would find a STOCK gov put it in see what happens since you don't know what you have in there now- then depending on what the results are you can play with springs and or weights to achieve your goal--- also make sure the spool valve moves freely and the valve passages the valve and the governor body are CLEAN also-FED 387

[Bob F]

Question for the 1/2 auto shift guys.
When using this function do you start your burnout in 1st and it shifts itself at gov speed or can it be shifted earlier manually?

[Jim Cimarolli]

Originally Posted by Bob F

Question for the 1/2 auto shift guys.
When using this function do you start your burnout in 1st and it shifts itself at gov speed or can it be shifted earlier manually?

I always started in 1st and shifted it manually in the burnout, that way you can get it out of low gear without having to go to the shift point.