Kick down switch 65 rivi gs

[arnulfo de l.a.]

The manual states that at speeds below 70 mph the kick down switch will shift the tranny from third down to second gear. That seems like a pretty high threshold to go from third to second gear. What do you guys think and where do you have yours set at? Thanks

[RivNut]

Think about this.  At Wide Open Throttle, when does the transmission upshift from 2nd to Drive?  Probably about 70 mph.  Without a tach, it's probably hard to tell where you engine is at at 70 mph in 2nd gear, but if it's not over 4500 rpm. you're probably not going to hurt anything.

[arnulfo de l.a.]

Makes sense  Ed. At 70 mph in drive motor is at 3000 rpm. I have an era correct buick tach. Im thinking 70 mph in second rpm would be in the 4-5 k range. 

[RivNut]

The TH400 (Buick called them the ST400) is one tough transmission.  For a three speed automatic, it's probably the choice of the race car set.  Many of those race engines turning 8,000 To 9,000 rpm's.  If anything were to let go, it would be the engine way before the transmission.