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wlpsyp · 03-22-2006, 02:55 AM

Okay guys, rookie question (many more to come)

Where does the electric kick down switch from the trans get connected to?

Bill

form406 · 03-22-2006, 03:14 AM

there is a switch underneath the gas pedal that connects to an electrical plug connection on the left side of the transmission if im not mistaken...dont forget vacuum connection as well...

wlpsyp · 03-22-2006, 03:28 AM

Thanks. There is the problem. My gas pedal does not have any connectors to it other than the throttle cable. This car was an original manual tranny, previous owner installed the TH400. It was never hooked up.

I am now getting to installing the new engine etc for the final time and just realized this. 68 GTO, rebuilt TH400 with 68 His and Hers dual gate shifter. Can someone tell me the parts I need to get this electrical kick down working or do I even really need it?

Thanks,

Bill

form406 · 03-22-2006, 04:15 AM

i dont have mine hooked up...the vacuum connection takes care of shifts at lower speeds...the electrical switch kicks down into passing gears at higher speeds..some cars came with the kickdown from the carb without electrical if im not mistaken..others could fill you in more...people will debate on the harm or lack of, having the electrical switch not hooked up...best to have it...i better do it....

Lloyd-TX · 03-22-2006, 06:03 AM

The electric kick-down switch on a TH400 is strictly used for "detent" (3rd to 1st or 2nd to 1st WOT) downshifts ONLY. Part throttle downshifts are controlled by the vacuum modulator and the governer.

No harm in not having this feature, but it does take some of the fun out of driving, LOL!

66bonne · 03-22-2006, 09:52 AM

Good to hear that you are making progress on your project, I've been following you on these forums - any pix to post ?
A few months ago High Performance Pontiac had an excellent article on the B&M electric kick down switch for the TH400 tranny. I recently picked one up but haven't installed it just yet. It does require the simple fabrication of a mounting bracket. Other than that it is straight forward. The part should be listed in any Jeg's or Summit catalog or on their web sites. Many performace parts stores carry them. I'll get a part number for you. You certainly don't have to have a kick down switch but they can be fun. Good luck and keep us posted.

Rocky Rotella · 03-22-2006, 10:06 AM

Here's a link to the HPP article.

http://highperformancepontiac.com/te...0200_kickdowns

sharkbite · 03-22-2006, 12:41 PM

I had an aftermarket kickdown switch on the side of my carb that hooked up to the linkage and had a wire that ran down to a transducer on the trans. It's been a while but I'm sure there is a + and - wire too. Summit has them

greyno3 · 03-22-2006, 12:47 PM

Lokar makes a better kit. I had the B&M before. Here's a link to Summit Racing.
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http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...h.asp&N=400015

mj64car · 03-22-2006, 12:49 PM

If you do not have the electrical switch at the gas pedal - Ames carries it. There was more discussion recently about this topic on the full size 62-66 pontiac board for a tripower.

Kenth · 03-22-2006, 03:21 PM

Without the kickdown switch working properly the TH400 will shift gear way too early.

greyno3 · 03-22-2006, 04:42 PM

yea! I put a 69 RAIII and TH400 in a 74 Laguna S-3 and didn't realize this problem. The tranny shifted most erratically!!!

GoatDr · 03-22-2006, 04:58 PM

To install a stock T400 kickdown switch you need the proper gas pedal bracket. It goes upward from the gas pedal and that is where the switch attaches. The metal piece is what attaches over the plastic piece with two bolts. I can get a pic tonight if you want to see it.

Ollie · 03-22-2006, 07:10 PM

Hope these photos help

cjaghblb · 03-22-2006, 08:12 PM

I ran around for a while without mine hooked up on my 64 Tempest streetrod and then installed the Lokar switch. I had to custom build the carb linkage connection and you have to adjust the cable length so it doesn't trigger too early or too late. I mounted the switch itself on the frame rail under the drivers door. My car would never downshift properly when mashing the pedal to the floor until I did this. What a difference! My experience is exactly as Lloyd-TX described it.

BVR421 · 03-22-2006, 11:25 PM

I used a $10.00 nitrous switch on my quadrajet, the switch is on a small bracket I didnt like so I fabbed a better? bracket from a piece of scrap aluminum mounted on back of carb. Im not real good at fabricating things so it cant be too hard to rig something appropriate.

speedshopmike · 03-23-2006, 12:55 AM

i've a brand new b&m switch for sale, in the package, if interested.
old stock from my shop.
-mike

James408 · 01:21 PM

Hey guys, I thought the kickdown linkage on Pontiacs with T400s was located on the carb? That was I've seen for sale in reproduction parts catelogs. Or maybe I maybe I miss understood the parts description.

Greg Reid · 03-23-2006, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James408

Hey guys, I thought the kickdown linkage on Pontiacs with T400s was located on the carb? That was I've seen for sale in reproduction parts catelogs. Or maybe I maybe I miss understood the parts description.

The only ones I've seen on the carb bracket were mid '70s ('75?) and later. That indicates too that they were used only on TH350 trannys, as the last Poncho equipped TH400 that I know of was in '74.

James408 · 03-23-2006, 03:57 PM

I have to disagree. If you read Rockys High Performance Pontiac article. It states:
"When the Turbo 400 began reaching production models in the late '60s, its kickdown switch was mounted on or near the carburetor. It was, however, relocated to the passenger compartment and mounted on the throttle pedal in later years."

That is why my 69 Firbird 400 does not have the kickdown on the firewall. My kickdown was lost many years ago with the original q-jet and cast iron intake.

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