Q:
My transmission downshifts too late when coming to a stop, and upshifts
too soon when accellerating after a long drive, causing engine RPM to
drop very low (or causes engine stall or near stall). What causes it?
There is an extensive write-up here on MonteCarloSS.com about this
problem, which is caused by a defective TCC Solenoid. The write-up
(with pictures and diagrams) outlines how you can fix this yourself.
Q:
I want to swap a TH700-R4 transmission into my Monte Carlo SS. What's involved?
Check here for a comparison of the TH200-4R and TH700-R4:
TH200-4R / TH700-R4
Check here for information on installing a TH700-R4 into a TH350
equipped Monte:
Th700-R4 Swap
Q:
What type of transmission is stock on an SS?
1983 and 1984 Monte Carlo SSs got the TH-350C 3 speed,
non-overdrive transmission.
1985 through 1988 Monte Carlo SSs got the TH-200-4R 4 speed, overdrive
transmission.
There were supposedly 3 1984 Monte Carlo SSs at the end of that year
production run that that received the TH-200-4R transmission.
There were no other transmission options available.
Q:
I have a rear vibration at highway speed (above 60 MPH). What is it?
This seems to be a common problem among 4th Generation Monte Carlo SSs.
Unfortunately, to date, we have not come up with a single answer that will
correct the vibration every time. The following is a list of things to
check / replace. Others have solved their vibration by implementing or
checking for one or more of the following. This list is not in any specific
order. Any one could cause the vibration.
Balance tires (out of balance, missing balance weight)
Bent rim (try rotating tires to see if vibration characteristic changes)
Broken belt in tire (inspect tire well)
Replace U-Joints (both sides of drive shaft)
Balance drive shaft
Out of phase drive shaft
Rear Yoke (Slip Yoke)
Rear Transmission Mount (suggested replacement: polyuerathane)
Remove the bracket between the catalytic converter and the transmission mount
Flexplate flatness (bent flexplate transmits vibration to output shaft of transmission)
Torque Converter defective
Angle of rear end to transmission (pinion angle, correct with upper control arms)
Transmission tail shaft output bushing
Crossmember bolts loose
Rear axle pinion bearings
Rear outer axle bearings
It's probably a good idea to tackle the list of possibilities above starting
with the easiest or cheapest items, progressing to the more expensive or difficult
items until satisfactory results are found. A good inspection of the drivetrain
is always a good starting point however.
If you solve the vibration problem through one of the listed items above, or have
found an item that is not listed that solves the problem, please drop the webmaster
an email so we can get an idea of the most likely causes.
Q:
What RPM should my stock SS be at when cruising at 65 MPH?
Q:
How do I know if my SS has Limited Slip Differential (POSI)?
Look for the RPO code "G80" on your SPID sticker on the inside of the rear trunk.
Look for a metal tag stuck on one of the external bolts of the differential.
Sometimes this tag falls off, or is lost during differential maintenance.
Jack the rear of the car up so both rear wheels are off the ground. Rotate
one of the rear wheels manually. If the other wheel rotates in the same
direction, you have a limited slip differential (Posi). If the other wheel
rotates in the opposite direction, you do not have a limited slip differential
(Non-Posi)
Look for the rear axle code.
For 1986 Models (and we believe this applies to all SS's 1985 and up):
"2TF" indicates a non-limited slip 3.73 differential. "2TH" indicates
a limited slip (Posi) 3.73 differential.
Some sources indicate limited slip was not available in 1984, however,
some 1984 SSs have shown up with the G80 RPO code.
Limited Slip Differential was not available in 1983.
Q:
What was the rear gear ratio for the SS?
For 1983 and 1984 Monte Carlo SS's, the rear differential ratio
was 3.42:1
for 1985 through 1988 Monte Carlo SS's, the rear differential ratio
was 3.73:1
There were no other gear combination options available.
Q:
Which transmission coolant line is which on the transmission?
TH-350C (1983-1985):
The upper transmission coolant line on the TH-350C transmission is the
return side (cooled fluid returning from the radiator).
The lower transmission coolant line on the TH-350C transmission is the
pressure side (hot fluid pumped out of the transmission).
TH-200-4R (1986-1988):
The upper transmission coolant line on the TH-200-4R transmission is the
pressure side (hot fluid pumped out of the transmission).
The lower transmission coolant line on the TH-200-4R transmission is the
return side (cooled fluid returning from the radiator).
At the radiator, the upper coolant line is the return side.. the lower
coolant line is the pressure side.
