I had the 390 FE built in a 1964 Mercury Monterey. Among other things, a 292 / 560 Comp Cam was installed. I'm pretty sure that the Lying Crook mechanic that did the work did not put a new stall converter in. He's waiting to see if he can get away with it. My question is about the C3 transmission. I have read that that start off in second gear when in D2. Is that true? When I drive it I shift from L to D1 and nothing happens. Then shift to D2 and it changes to a higher gear. Is it not going into low or 3rd? Is the new Cam causing this , only 2 speeds? It also jerks hard and wants to die when shifted into reverse or Drive. Can a modulator valve cause a missing gear? I never drove the car before the engine was built so I don't really know how it should behave. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Here is a picture also.

 

Engine running

 

Yes it is true , when the shift selector is in D1 it starts in 2nd gear. They were great for starting off in snow. I believe the low band is applied and it will stay in low all the time whereas in D1 if the speed is high enough it will shift to third gear .

 

On mine, there is no difference between Low and D1. The only change is from D1 to D2. It seems that the RPMs are too high in D2 also. I just put a Tach in it last night and haven't driven it yet to see what it is at about 50 MPH. I'm also going to pick up a modulator valve today and see if that does anything.

 

Here is a video of the linkage. Is it supposed to be like this? Video might be sideways for a while, sorry.

 

Recheck earlier post some info has changed.

 

Could this have anything to do with the transmission cooler not being hooked up? The mechanic told me that I really didn't need it and threw it in the trunk.

 

I guess I'm hoping someone will see this and say ''I know exactly what you need to do about that". Here's a video that I hope describes my problem better than I can. This engine has been bored 30 over and has a 292/560 Comp Cam and a factory torque converter. The transmission cooler was also deleted. 40 MPH is almost 3000 RPM

 

From what you describe it sounds like the trans is not shifting out of 2nd gear.
One of the things you can check is the downshift link from the carburetor down to the trans. Make sure it isn't stuck and free to move in it's entire range.

 

Are you talking about the kickdown lever? It is not working via the linkage.