i worked out all the kinks in my 70 skylark only to find out the trans is junk. the only gear that will engage is reverse. all others free rev like neutral.

what would cause this?

This will seem obvious, but check the fluid level (running, at temp, in park or neutral).

Might not be the problem, but the first thing I would check.

we added 4 quarts. its full. i have the kick down attached to the pedal and also the vacuum line attached to the intake.

torque converter problem?

No, low/reverse gear sprag is broken. Had the same happen to me with the trans installed in the car - no forward movement, occasionally.

The one time it did hit forward, don't let up on the gas, keep it engaged until its moved to where you want the car. Had plenty of reverse motion.

Are you sure the S-linkage is in place between the shift lever and manual valve?

Make sure you dont have a linkage problem ,make sure your fluid level is up..check the colr of the fluid and smell to make sure its not burnt..

im just going to look for a replacement. having a hell of a time looking for a BOP trans locally on craigs list.

anyone use a BOP to chevy transmission adapter plate? sounds kinda fishy that you must space the converter from the flywheel...

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/tci-230000.pdf

If the trans comes out from the block the distance of the adapter thickness, the torque convertor also has to be spaced the same amount.

Keeps the t/conv engaged into the trans oil pump, a plus.