re allison trans

[plyonsMC9]

Mine downshifts hard (really easy for everyone on board to feel it) from 2nd to 1st  (i think) when pulling up to a stop sign, etc., for the first few minutes.  Then shift is just fine with no problems.   Tho' I have other problems as our leaks fluid as well - so it goes into the shop next year...   

Best Regards, Phil

[ChuckMC8]

After I installed a tachometer in my mC8, I really began to see what happens at shift points, etc.  When my trans shifted to 4th at 45 or so, my rpms would drop to 1100 or 1200 and the engine had to climb it way back up to where I wanted it to run (1500+)
Like the other guys, I learned just to leave it in 3rd gear with the shifter unless I needed to go over 50MPH, then drop it into 4th.
I know its not the way its designed, but shifting by the tach and speedo makes the engine a lot happier and also helps the performance and drivilibility. When downshifting at 1500 rpm, I let off the throttle and shift and back on the throttle at the same time. It makes a smooth shift and stays in the power band on the 8V71.
I know from 4 years of reading the boards that some folks poo at the tach, but I really enjoy mine. For installation in the stock MC8 dash, I moved the bus volt meter out of the panel and mounted it under my b/u monitor. Into that spot, I put a new 2" diameter air gauge that Capt Ron gave me (thanks Ron) That left me with the large opening where the factory air gauge came out. I bought a new tach on ebay and it lives in that spot now. The air gauge is s little more inconvienent that it was, but I made sure that the low air buzzer and warning lights work properly.
just my .$0.02 worth, but it works for me-complete tach installation with parts was about $75.00

[Buffalo SpaceShip]

I second Chuck's tach post. Now that I drive an auto (V730), it's more imperetive to know the revs... what gear I'm in when climbing and what the engine is doing. The trans will shift too soon (based upon throttle position and load, I guess), sometimes trying to pull grades down at 1400rpm in third locked or second locked. By watching the tach, I can pull it into the proper gear range to climb at 1700-1900rpms, partial throttle.

I wish there was a way to install a button to tell the tranny when to lockup. Getting lockup in first would be ideal for those steep, slow grades with twists, and make better use of my Jake in any gear.

Anyways, here's a shot of my dash. Starting at upper left is tranny & engine oil temps (has a selector switch for senders), tranny temp is under that, the ones obscured are the voltmeter and 2" air pressure gauge. On right is speedo, fuel, coolant temp. and tach. It's a nice gauge package, though I'd still like to install a pyro, esp. since my bus had N65's installed during its out-of-frame before I bought it. I've really have to keep an eye on the tailpipe in my left mirror.

Brian Brown
4108-216
Longmont, CO