Left Handed Skyhook? - Orig Owner Story and Option

[69LM1]

OK,

Just bought another 70Z. Forest Green, green interior. The car got here (the last owner drove it from Atlanta to me here in New Orleans!) and for a change, actually looked better than in the photos. 66k miles, gobs and gobs of paperwork to back it up, and literally, not a scratch on her. Everything works, down to the clock and the cigarette lighter. Only negative thing is the heads/solid lifters were changed out at some point, everything else is stock but the headers. Original block/water pump/alt/distrib. Original TH400.

So, in the paperwork I see phone numbers from some of the previous owners. Guy I bought it from was the third owner and had it for 2 years. I start calling the previous owner once removed. He has a mechanics shop in Ithica, NY. Nice guy, says he bought the car from a friend, who bought the car new at the chevy dealership where he(first owner) worked as a mechanic.

I ask about why the solid lifters and heads were changed. He stated that the original owner got married and the wife complained about how "loud" the Z was, so he removed them. He bought the car when the orig owner and his wife divorced. BUT, he knows the guy that bought the heads from the original owner. That guy also has a repair shop in Ithica, NY. So he gives me that guys number with a promise to send him some pics. He owned the car for many years.

I call that shop, and the guy says the heads are long gone, BUT, just so happens, that the ORIGINAL OWNER IS AT THE SHOP! Man, what are the odds? So, the original owner and I start to chat. He also wants some pics. He confirms the heads/lifters/cam change. He starts reminising(sp) on how the forest green looked different in the paint chip then in person, and how he almost refused the car when he saw the color.

Now, for the LH Skyhook question:

He tells me that the car has a 70 only special option. Can't remember the name, but states that if you put the tranny in low1 for a drag race, floor it, the TH400 will "automatically" shift to low2 when the tach redlines. However, you still need to shift it to low3 at "Oh, around 90 or so". Claims the only thing that could beat him back in the day was a local 70 Cuda.
I have not heard of this and was wondering if he was pulling my leg. You know, the "Go get me a left handed skyhook" kind of thing. I promised to send him some pics, and he promised to look for the original set of keys that he thinks he still has.

So, here I am wondering if I had the B@ll's to try this on a 60k original car. What the heck? Right? If you can't have fun, what's the point.

I take her out on a deserted road about an hour ago, and from a stop, in L1, punch it. Sure enough, at 6300, she shifts to L2 on her own!

So, am I in the dark? What was this called, and was it standard on the 70 Z's, or an RPO option? Either way, it's Coooooolllll!

Rich

[Casey Marks]

This is a trait of 400's known as "blow shift". Basically, it is a fail-safe from the engine grenading itself. It is not an option, but a safety mechanism for the engine and trans. In fact, it can be seen in 700-4R's too. I was driving a buddy's 427 4x4 truck with a 700 in it, and just put it to the mat until the trans upshifted. Blow-shift is the "trans guy" term. Still cool tho ......

[sYc]

And if you stay in it, will do the same from 2nd to 3rd.

Some bracket racers never shift on there own, letting the trans do it for them, more consistant. But IMO, really takes the fun out of it. My theory is (not Rob's), shift when the beast quits pulling. Rob says that is what I tach is for.

[WILMASBOYL78]

Left handed sky-hook..sounds like something from boy scout camp....we used to send guys out for a left handed smoke shifter or my favorite, a "100ft of shoreline"

wilma

[69LM1]

[ QUOTE ]
And if you stay in it, will do the same from 2nd to 3rd.

[/ QUOTE ]

Have to try that one! Thanks Guys,

R

[Charley Lillard]

My understanding is 1970 was the first year for that in the Turbo 400's.

[Mr70]

It was and for ALL GM vehicles w/TH400,not just Chevy,regardless of their Horse Power.It also did help keep service replacements ("H" units) at bay.
I really like it behind the L-78.

[3macs1]

I think Rick you and Charley may have just saved a pile of 68/69 engines with TH400. Bad images in my mind. Ok they said 6300 lets try 6500 maybe 7000. Wow what a bang. Where is all the smoke and oil coming from.
For what it is worth I could never get mine to do it between 2nd and third probally the just the driver.

[1970Bluel78]

I thought that there were only Left handed Monkey Wrenches

[77Z28]

Congratulations on the purchase just time for Christmas. How about posting some pictures for the rest of us. Enjoy.

Todd