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  #1  
Old 07-28-2009, 12:50 AM
TimG TimG is offline
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Default M40 adjustments

I’m afraid I know very little about M40 transmissions and my ’70 Z28 has the original one installed in it. I’ve heard that there is a way to adjust the firmness of the shifting. This transmission doesn’t have a shift kit in it. Is there a way to make adjustments to the transmission aside from installing a shift kit?
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  #2  
Old 07-28-2009, 01:42 AM
Hotrodpaul Hotrodpaul is offline
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Default Re: M40 adjustments

I believe the TH400 uses a vacuum modulator to vary line pressure based on engine vacuum. There are adjustable modulators available that allow the driver to vary the line pressure with the turn of a wrench. The modulator is mounted on the passenger side of the tranny and has a steel line going to the intake manifold vacuum fitting.

Paul
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Old 07-28-2009, 05:29 AM
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Default Re: M40 adjustments

The factory CW code TH400 trans was the unit that was installed in the L78 cars and the Z28. Hi-shift point with the large can style modulator...the adjustment screw is sealed on these units with a glue/wax type product. I have never tried to loosen the factory fitting...the aftermarket small gold colored units have an internal adjustment screw. Just remove the hose and turn it in to restrict vacuum and create a later and firmer shift. There are shift kits available for the TH400, but the factory hi-perf unit is pretty good "as is".

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Old 07-28-2009, 06:20 AM
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Default Re: M40 adjustments

You can also buy aftermarket kits with different weights - similar to distributor advance weights - that will alter shift points.
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Old 07-28-2009, 07:28 AM
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John Brown John Brown is offline
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Default Re: M40 adjustments

[ QUOTE ]
You can also buy aftermarket kits with different weights - similar to distributor advance weights - that will alter shift points.

[/ QUOTE ]

I take it that you're talking about the weights in the governor assy.
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Old 07-28-2009, 05:35 PM
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Default Re: M40 adjustments

Correct - I have a "CD" coded low perf M40 in my 72. By adding a shift improver kit (not a full blown shift kit) and tweaking these weights I was able to get it to shift where and how I wanted it to. It is a little bit of a trial and error process but is not overly difficult. It has performed flawlessly behind a GM crate 454/425 for 8 years now.
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Old 07-28-2009, 05:52 PM
TimG TimG is offline
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Default Re: M40 adjustments

Thank you for the information. It is the original CW transmission and it shifts very well now. If it is adjustable, I was going to play with it to see if I could make it bang a bit harder.
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Old 07-28-2009, 05:54 PM
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Default Re: M40 adjustments

Tim
Which posi rearend ratio are you running...3:73...4:10?
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Old 07-28-2009, 06:04 PM
TimG TimG is offline
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Default Re: M40 adjustments

The original 4.10, it's kind of a beast.
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Old 07-28-2009, 06:19 PM
Chevy454 Chevy454 is offline
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Default Re: M40 adjustments

LOL...all these guys wanting firmer shifts from there 400s, and I'm going the opposite direction...


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