When accellerating even under moderate conditions my transmission seems to go through 2 stages. First it shifts (lets say into third) and i am accelerating , then i am noticing a drop in rpm , change in blower pitch etc. It feels almost like the clutches are "locking up" buy why would it slip at 3000-3200 rpm zone??It would be simmilar to BARELY riding the clutch at full throttle then dumping it at high rpm. The svt guys cant help me. It drives fine so far (4500 miles) I hate to take it in for a mechanic "test drive" ( boy they really push the rental car on this truck "just leave it man !!")Is this normal for a 400r??? :-X11

 

Go to the front page of the Lightning section here, and search "hesitation" and read the post titled "2001 Lightning hestates at 3200 RPM"

 

Yeah that post says it all. I called the svt guys , they hadent a clue what was going on and said i shouldnt have any "slip or burp" at 3200 , so i should just take it in. I wouldnt be surprised if this is normal for the transmission (torque converter), but on the other hand , if it is locking up at 3200 and dropping oh say 100 rpm to 3100 or so under wot, then wouldnt it stand to reason that the et would be affected by the slip and lack of full power to the wheels. Seems like a lot of horsepower would be lost in the converter. I bet this is a warranty bug to get the tranny past the 36,000 mark. Simply comparing the diablo chip "difference" sounds unreasonable however. Dosent the chip change a whole lot more than just the shift/converter set points. Too many variables. Has anyone dealt with this issue alone before making other mods ??? I really want to isolate this problem before doing any mods. Even with the 75,000 warranty ford will say its ok because it hasent broke yet. By Bye low ets..

 

If you can't get a fix at Ford, and it really bugs you. Look into a valvebody for your trans.
Once the Vavlebody is installed you will have very crisp fast shifts.
I had one installed on my 1st Gen when I only had 16500 miles, now I have over 102,000 and its still running strong, even though I drag race.
The kit will help your trans shift better and and run cooler(fluid circulation), and depending on the valve you chose, it will shift very firm.
I would opt to have an experienced trans shop install it, Level10 in Hamburg NJ installed mine and it was one of the best $$$ for $$$ modifications I had done.
check them out---> www.levelten.com
take care
John O

 

the drop in rpm you are feeling is the torque convertor locking up. its perfectly normal part of trans operation. if the trans were slipping the rpms would rise not drop. next time it happens very lightly tap the brake but keep your foot on the gas still. youll feel it go back to normal. the brake switch unlocks the convertor.

 

Tried that , yes i noticed a difference but why would the converter lock at 3200 ?? Is it a weak tranny?? I can understand slip off the line but why in 3rd ?? Seems like by that time full power should play from shift point. I do have hope for this truck however, met a guy tonight who is pushing 440 at the rear. Claims a blower mod on stock longblock will get it over 500. Sounds great. Also said svt cobra engine actual hp 430 out of the box (2003).Main thing for me is to keep it streetable. I build decks and use this truck for work. I doubt dodge will be a streetable (affordable) option (2003 dodge viper truck or whatever it is) With all the lightning trucks on the road (modified) they are in for a real let down .I am seriously consedering the diablo upgrade.They say that alone adds 39. Whats killing me is i bought the 75,000 warranty. Maybye i should just dump it, bank the money, and go for bro(ken) pistons. What good is a warranty if it puts you in the scardy cat league.

 

Yeah there is no doubt about it the transmission is doing what it is supposed to do. It dosent shift at all like the chevys i have been driving up untill now but after almost 7000 miles i like this one better (tranny) Thanks for the input.