727 kickdown/shift points

beanhead · Dec 9, 2017

I have a 727 behind a 440, with a lokar kickdown cable setup... It's been working fine, however I feel that the 2-3 shift comes in just a little sooner than I'd like. I adjusted a tad more slack in the cable slightly, and the 1-2 shift is still in a good spot and got smoother, but it doesn't seem to be affecting the shift into 3rd, and upon testing it didn't want to kick down while cruising so I put it back where it was. Initially had it set to where kickdown lever was all the way back with a throttle full open, which gives it a small amount of slack with the throttle at rest. Is that something that's even tunable with the kick down, or is it a transmission adjustment and I'm chasing my tail here? Thanks!

Jeff_383 · Dec 9, 2017

From my experience the Lokar geometry in the levers is waayyy off. I drilled and adjusted forever, never getting it right. Finally broke down and bought the Bouchillon (spelling?) kit, and never looked back. Much better in my opinion.

beanhead · Dec 9, 2017

Thanks, but mine isn't really off to where it needs to be replaced...works good but I'm just trying to fine-tune it to agree with my OCD...

Billccm · Dec 9, 2017

I just received my bouchillon kick down kit today. I'll report back when I get it installed.

Jeff_383 · Dec 9, 2017

That's the problem with the lokar, it's not fine tunable. You'll pull your hair out trying to.

727 · Dec 9, 2017

What size and brand carb are you running?
Have you adjusted the line pressure higher than stock?

beanhead · Dec 10, 2017

727 said:
What size and brand carb are you running?
Have you adjusted the line pressure higher than stock?

850 speed demon mech. secondary carb, don't know on the second question..

rrTor-Red · Dec 10, 2017

Billccm said:
I just received my bouchillon kick down kit today. I'll report back when I get it installed.

Quick Fuel 850 carb with the Bouchillon kick down. I used my old carb linkage, after I cleaned it up, because Bouchillon's was too long.

727 · Dec 10, 2017

How's about a pick of the carb where the throttle cable and kickdown cable attach?

Ron H · Dec 10, 2017

Has anyone used one of these kits on older 727...pushbutton trans? My issue is too low of shift points and having to floor it to downshift from 3rd to 2nd. I gathered older trans work this way but exploring modifications ive read about

threewood · Dec 10, 2017

Ron H said:
Has anyone used one of these kits on older 727...pushbutton trans? My issue is too low of shift points and having to floor it to downshift from 3rd to 2nd. I gathered older trans work this way but exploring modifications ive read about

On the TF 8 pushbutton transmissions there is no part throttle kick down like later style 727s so you have to plant the pedal for the downshift.

What year vehicle, what engine, what kickdown rod? My 62 has a single piece rod that I set by the manual. Pull rod forward, adjust linkage to drop on the carb stud, done. Shift points are in the area of 10mph and 18mph.

Banzaiii67 · Dec 10, 2017

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/the-lowdown-on-stock-torqueflite-kick-down-linkage/

Important to note, I took up a lot of slack in my old lokar setup to get the lever where they sugguest. Was a dramatically different after i did it.

Ron H · Dec 10, 2017

What you describe threewood is pert near how mine works: '63 Fury 727 complete rebuilt 318 to around 330hp, .60 over, slight cam, headers, 3" exhaust, etc. The shop installed a "late model" TC that I think could have been a mistake. I switched out 3:23 to 3:55 and thought this may have impacted shift/rpm points or resulting in lower mph shifting. It's a sluggish feel to step on it (without opening secondary's) and have it shift to 3rd before reaching 20mph. It has a dull clunk when going into 3rd that don't seem right. I've heard increasing line pressure and governor kit available may help upping rpm shifts. But what I've read on this is for later 727's. The KD (original rod from originally 2bbl setup) rod is adjusted max it can be and lever appears at max with full open throttle.

beanhead · Dec 10, 2017

Banzaiii67 said:
http://www.hotrod.com/articles/the-lowdown-on-stock-torqueflite-kick-down-linkage/

Important to note, I took up a lot of slack in my old lokar setup to get the lever where they sugguest. Was a dramatically different after i did it.

A-ha that was it...good article thanks Banzai.. I needed to tighten it up a little, which I was afraid to do before because I didn't want it to limit the throttle from opening all the way...I still get full throttle, just a tad less cable slack when the throttle's at rest..works just how I want it to now

threewood · Dec 10, 2017

Ron H said:
What you describe threewood is pert near how mine works: '63 Fury 727 complete rebuilt 318 to around 330hp, .60 over, slight cam, headers, 3" exhaust, etc. The shop installed a "late model" TC that I think could have been a mistake. I switched out 3:23 to 3:55 and thought this may have impacted shift/rpm points or resulting in lower mph shifting. It's a sluggish feel to step on it (without opening secondary's) and have it shift to 3rd before reaching 20mph. It has a dull clunk when going into 3rd that don't seem right. I've heard increasing line pressure and governor kit available may help upping rpm shifts. But what I've read on this is for later 727's. The KD (original rod from originally 2bbl setup) rod is adjusted max it can be and lever appears at max with full open throttle.

Close to my build. 318 poly, 600 cfm Eddy 4bbl, solid cam, headers, 2.5" exhaust, 3.23 Eaton out back, PTC converter (19 spline). I am also using the stock 2bbl single piece kickdown rod. Cruising shift points are low and what I have come to accept. No shift kit in mine, however I do have an A&A 5800 governor installed. So when I plant the pedal, it will downshift(if I am already moving) and upshift at 5800rpms. The governor will not affect the normal shift points. As long as you are not hanging the 2-3 upshift under moderate acceleration it should be correctly adjusted.

wyrmrider · Dec 10, 2017

research governor mods
also shift reprogramming kit can make a diference

Ron H · Dec 10, 2017

Wow your upshift rev is a lot more than I have. Have to check out reprogram kit as well if this is a route for old TF's

threewood · Dec 10, 2017

Ron H said:
Wow your upshift rev is a lot more than I have. Have to check out reprogram kit as well if this is a route for old TF's

Wide open throttle upshifts are controlled through the governor. A Transgo shift kit will up the line pressure through the use of a heavier spring and give you a slightly higher shift point at cruise and part throttle. Both are options for earlier transmissions.

Ron H · Dec 11, 2017

Is this transgo setup what you have threewood?

threewood · Dec 11, 2017

Ron H said:
Is this transgo setup what you have threewood?

Yep, Transgo TF2. It gives you a few options for shift performance. Race or street and the instructions show you exactly what to do. And the best part is eliminating shift overlap to make your trans last longer. Here is a link to the kit...
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/trg-tf-2

727 kickdown/shift points

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