Cougar1973

I have heard that if you manual shift a auotmatic transmission it could screw some things up. But, I was also reading in the forums here that it didn't. I have a '73 cougar with a FMX trans. running behind a 351C 2v. I was wondering because i believe it shift wide open at 3,500 rpm though i dont have a tach. I mayby wrong but it doesnt seem much.

JD1969

It won't make your car any faster (unless it shifts at a very low RPM on its own) but it won't "screw things up" as long as the trans is in good working order. Some auto trans will burn out the bands if they are not hooked up a vacume source and adjusted properly (or in the case of older Mopar trannys a kick down rod). If your trans is acting funny I suggest that you find out why and fix it rather than finding a way around the problem (manualy shifting), it could be a sighn that there are things going bad in the tranny.

Cougar1973

i was always told that my car was a more economy car (even though i get 9-14 mpg) and it wasnt shifting that high of an rpm

JD1969

Well first thing you need is a tach, your just guessing otherwise. You can adjust the shift points in the trans

Cougar1973

i didnt know you could change the shift points in the trans. where do you do that. ya i do need a tach just dont have money or know what kind. i dont want anything big and bulky. how much should i expect to spend on one?

JD1969

Each trans is a little different on how they adjust, get a sevice manual for your car it should say in there. as for a tach you should be able to get a small one for around $50 or so.

Cougar1973

ok thank you