Tranny question...
 

4 speed auto BTW.

When the car shifts normally from first to second but from second to third it feels like it goes into neutral. Like 3rd gear isnt even there. Manually shifting the gears doenst make a differance. Is the tranny shot or is it just a minor linkage type problem? Anyone ever experiance something like this?

I'm not hugely familiar with slushbox's but it sounds like your bands/clutches might be gettin worn out. Since you have the 4L60"e" trans, I unfortunetly doubt its just a linkage problem...

Might want to start looking for a good tranny shop.

sometimes changing the fluid and filter clears up a poor shift, but it is a warning of a worn trans

on my red v6 it did the same. i read a lot about it. its the 3rd gear band...or maybe its a clutchpack. i forget i havent done much research on the 4L60E lately...

i tried lucas stop slip. unfortunately my problem was so severe it didnt help. all you can do is get off the throttle for that 2-3 shift. youre gonna need to rebuild it soon :(

I figured it wasnt going to be an easy fix but it's not a total loss thing right? IDK, just kinda sucks, I dumped so much money into the fuel pump, opti, water pump, and alternator to make her right and no less than 2 weeks later the tranny starts issueing. -sighs-

I would be on the lookout for a different tran Grant. Honestly, depending on where you are go with a rebuild. Lots of times you can get a new tranny for the same if not cheaper price than a rebuild. And, not to mention, if you feel confident tearin into the opti like you did, a tranny swap shouldn't be a big deal at all, its just bigger parts thats all.

especially on an auto. you dont have to worry about the splines and the pilot bearings and crap...

I would pay for a rebuild, or a rebuilt trans from a performance company, a factory type trans has some weaknesses from either cost savings or just simple mass production, and a used one you never know what you'll get (and I sell used parts)

I would go and have it checked before you decide to do anything with it, find out what the root of the problem is first before you spend more money..

i expierienced a similar problem after my tranny mount went although it only happened two times in one night (after i was racing with a busted mount, yea im THAT smart) idk i just thought i'd tell u i replaced the mount and have not had the problem happen again yet.. although it seems like yours may be alot worse

I had the same exact problem with my 94 Z28. The problem is the steels and cluches in the direct drive clutch pack are slipping, and unfortunatly burns the friction material more and more. I would keep checking the fluid and change it on a regular basis until you can get a new/rebuilt one. When you do get a new one one of the best things you can do is to invest in an auxilary trans. cooler. I know how you feel,....been there done that.