HAMRHEAD

iTrader: (8)

With a th400, reverse manual valve body can you jut put it in 3rd and drive around or do you actuall have to change each gear now that you are using a manual valve body. A ratchet shifter will be used as well if that matters. Sorry for the stupid question but I have 0 experience with these trannys and search is fried today. Must be sun spots!

Thanks

camarols1

iTrader: (17)

Yes, you will have to start out in first, then you must manually
shift to second and third as you drive.
Make sure not to make hard pulls in second without upshifting
to third, as letting off the gas in second can blow the drum.
There was a recent thread that discussed this in detail,
so maybe the search tool will work soon!
Good luck!

HAMRHEAD

iTrader: (8)

So if I'm in 2nd I need to upshift to 3rd before I let off (when running it hard). Just wanna be sure I get this right as that would suck to damage a new tranny. I assume I will need to down shift as well too. Is that correct? I'm not to worried about racing but while on the street.

camarols1

iTrader: (17)

You got it! Letting of in second after a pull is not good. It can explode the drum.
The trans will need to be manually shifted at all times.
It is usually best to drive around in third, come to a stop, then shift all the way to first.
Most builds will last longer this way.
Big HP cars don't really need passing gear anyways, right!

8a8mfh

iTrader: (3)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic-transmission/684767-th400-rbmvb-downshifting.html

performabuilt

iTrader: (25)

Just think of it as a manual trans without a clutch

HAMRHEAD

iTrader: (8)

Thanks guys, I thought that it was this way but was unaware of the 2nd gear thing. I glad I asked so I can make my tranny last longer!

Thank again