J30t acceleration/responsiveness

[tomnam]

Hey all,I'm still working on restoring my '94 J30t. Here's a brief history:Bought the car about two months ago, good condition, 134,000 miles, had timing belt/water pump replaced, new tension rods in front, transmission flush (Mobil 1 synth), oil filter/change and new air filter. The next step will be to replace the rear shocks and new tires all around. The car runs smooth, but here's my question – when I need to accelerate, let's say passing on the freeway, and I "dig into it", my transmission has a slight pause even though the engine is reving at about 4-5,000 rpm's, it then engages and has to "catch up" and then shifts abruptly. (Although sometimes it does accelerate when asked to.) I am wondering if this is typical on J's (my first) and can something be done to make the car more responsive? Does any of this make sense? Thanks.

[driverdriver]

Hasn't happend to me.

[cweberj30t]

I wouldn't mash the gas pedal too much. It sounds like it's slipping and might eventually not engage at all. When it does engage, does it grab hard or sort of slide in? In other words, not typical at all. You can do a transmission self diagnosis. Look in your service manual.

[VimyJ]

Not my experience either.

[PalmerWMD]

Have your line pressures checked.Do you ahve a transmission cooler yet?This will bypass the stock heat exchanger set-up in the Rad which is prone to clogging and a common source of pressure problems.

Do it real soon, any slipping at all, for whatever reason can quickly cook your transmission.

Fred...

[tomnam]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. In response to CWeber, the transmission catches hard after initial hesitation. In response to PalmerWMD, are transmission coolers easy to install? What is the cost? Are there any side effects or cons to putting one in? I have been noticing excessive heat coming from the transmission, but I'm not sure if it's just my imagination or not. Can someone direct to more information about a transmission cooler. I'm still new to this site and new to my J, and so far both have been enjoyable and worth the time. I know I don't offer much in return as far as technical-know-how, but if I can offer my experiences with my J as I restore her and that helps others I am more than glad to do it.

[VimyJ]

Do a search on trany coolers and you'll get many views. It is acommonly accepted belief around here that cars from southern climes suffer from transmission failures sooner than nothern ones due to prolonged exposer to heat. Heat is the destroyer of transmissions.

One of the J's weaker points is its transmission. It is the same model as found in the 300ZX na but the J weighs much more than that sports car so wear from the added weight stress is correspondingly greater.

Fred gave you a great tip about the OEM cooler unit becoming clogged. Definitely check it out. Also, get a pan drop and transmission filter change done if you haven't done that already. Did your transmission start to act differently after your flush?

Looking forward to reading of your J experiences and welcome to the club. The J30(t) is a great car.

[tomnam]

Thanks Vimy – there was no noticeable change after the transmission flush. I will take the advice and get a pan drop and filter change. Cost? Also, I've read up on the transmission cooler, doesn't look too expensive so I might as well get it done. I'll run this by my mechanic (AutoTech by Beck in Pasadena, CA). I completely trust him, but before I go to him I always want to know a little about what I'm (and he) is talking about. Also second (third, fourth,etc...) opinions help ala this incredible forum! I feel I've made some sound choices so far beginning with buying the J. I'll report back all...

[VimyJ]

Cost for the pan drop and new filter is not too much. $150? Been a while since I had mine done. Do a search on the pan drop procedure. Lots of good stuff on the site.

[tomnam]

Question Vimy,And this shows my ignorance, sorry, but I've already had a transmission flush, if I get a pan drop and new filter would I have to put in new fluid again? Or is a transmission flush then pan drop the right sequence?

[VimyJ]

There have been numerous debates about that very question. The main thing is that replacing the filter is key. The pan drop only removes about 3 or 4 quarts (if that) of the fluid so you'll have to top off again.

[Jesda]

I spent $250 on a full transmission fluid flush (including contents of the torque convertor) with Mobil 1 fluid. My 92 Q's enjoyed this treatment every year.

Installing a transmission cooler was under $100 parts & labor for me. Pick up a large one at your local parts shop ($30-$60), and any place can install it within an hour of documented labor.

-Jesda

[tomnam]

Thanks Jesda & Vimy, I'll report back on the results – you guys are great!Peace.