I finally got my Camaro on the road after a couple of years of restoration. I'm not quite done but could not wait any longer.

I noticed that the Power glide switches gears into second at around 30 to 35 MPH. However, to get it to do that, I have to let off on the gas a bit otherwise I swear I could rack her up to 50, 60 or more before it switches gears.

Since I got my new 2.5" exhaust, H-Pipe, headers and flowmaster, it sounds way cool when I rap her up like that but sometimes you feal mellow and don't want to do that.

Is this normal Power Glide operations?

Don't worry about it my powerglide does the same thing.

Mine will do the same. It will hold gears like no other. I've had mine up past 50 with no problems. First gear is not very steep something like 1.73. Thats around 2nd gear for other gm trannies.
David

P.S.- I still hate the bloody thing :D

Sounds to me like your kickdown linkage is not adjusted. It shouln't behave like that.

I have zero kickdown like a turbo 350 does.

Why is a Powerglide usually referred to as a '2 Speed Power Glide' when a TH350 isn't called a '3-speed TH350' or a 700R4 referred to as a '4-speed 700R4'? Are there other Powerglides with different numbers of gears?

Skip -

Where do you have the vacuum line for the modulator connected? It should be full manifold vacuum, so if it's in a metered connection on a carb base or something like that, that may be part of the problem.

If it's on full manifold vac, what kind of vacuum reading do you have? Generally, as manifold vacuum decreases, the shift point moves up, because the tranny thinks you're moving close to WOT. The factory Glide modulators are set for use with relatively mild, high vacuum engines, so with lower manifold vacuum from a hot cam, you may need an adjustible vacuum modultor to get it to shift correctly.

Agree with Eric, vacuum problem or lack of same. A correctly operating PG will shift under light throttle, 12-15 in/Hg., at 18-22 mph, depending upon final gear ratio and tire size.

Powerglides come in two flavors, V8 = 1.76:1 first gear ratio, L6 = 1.82:1 ratio.

The PG(really an ST300 to be technically correct) in my 67 FB shifts normally without letting up on the gas. It has however, stayed in low through the 1/4 and upshifted going through the speed trap at 90++mph. This car is an OHC 6 with a 2.73 gear set. Just normal.

I'll have to check with the guy that just helped me replace the top part of my motor since I do not have the time to dig in just yet but to let you know...

I replaced the stock intake with a Performer Endurashine Edelbrock Manifold and an Edelbrock 650 CFM Thunder Series Carb. I also put on some new headers with some 2.5" exhaust with a new H-Pipe. This was all done about 100 miles ago.

As it turns out my spedo gear is just a bit off (15-20 MPH) showing 55 when I'm doing about 70 so my earlier assessment of shifting at 30-35 may be off by about 10-15 MPG. I don't know if this changes your thoughts at all but I have to take my car in to fix an oil leak this coming Monday so I will inquire.

If you are wondering, I'd normally do this stuff but we are moving out of CA to CO so I really don't have time and I need to get this ride running smoothly so that is why I'm taking her in to have the work done. Oh the shame of it all :(.

onovakind67,

That is b/c a P/G is only 2-geared, a TH-350 and TH-400, 3-geared and the 200-4R, 700-R4 and 4L60/4L80 type are 3-geared with 4th-gear being an OD!!

And GM made a "Turbo-glide" that is a two-speed tranny like a P/G but, I think it has cone clutches in it vs disc's!! Not as good as a P/G, imho.

One other point is that they also made some Buick automatic's with lock up torque converters! I think, both two-speed and three-speed, but I MAY be off here??

And last, the old, cast-iron cased P/G's contain a rear pump that is turned by the driveshaft so that you can push or roll start cars with them in gear!!

pdq67

Well, I think I got her taken care of. I had some bad seals on the P/G so I worked a deal with my mechanic to work a deal with me.

He's going to give me a 327 Block, Steel Crank, Harmonic Balancer, Fly wheel and a freshly rebuilt (with zero miles), U-Joints, Drive Shaft and a Turbo 350 installed for my P/G and 2 Grand. Oh yeah, he's also going to have the block stamped with corresponding numbers for my VIN.

Good deal? I Think so since i really wanted a Turbo 350 anyway. The P/G seems to be better for drag racing but not as nice for driving around. I don't know. I think my gearing will be better now.

Actually....

Chevrolet: Powerglide

Chevrolet: Torque Drive (had factory manual valve body)

Buick: Super Turbine 300

Oldsmobile: Jetaway

Pontiac: M-35

It is a pain in the rear, but you CAN tweak the governor a bit to raise shift points in a Glide. Not very fun, but it is possible. Everett is correct in his two gear ratios, but I believe the 1.82's were behind 283's also. At least I've seen a few that were. Had to be a larger V8 to have the 1.76 ratio. There were some other oddities such as the air-cooled versions/etc.