Changing the transmission fluid

The transmission on my 348 is getting notchey and 2nd gear is a definite pain when cold. After searching the previous posts, I have decided to change the fluid with Redline 75w90NS (I read until I was crosseyed about the different fluids).

To drain the fluid you just remove the hex bolt on the bottom of the transmission (look to see how much debris is on the metalic bolt). To fill it, you can either remove the fill plug or use the fluid level stick hole to fill the transmission. It should use alittle over one gallon. Am I missing any steps? Also, does anybody know where to get the crush cooper washers at? Thanks for any help.

 

Changed the transmition fluid and was happy to see that there was not any metal filings on the drain plug. Old trans fluid was clearish black looking and was right at one gallon. Put the Redline in and finally got to drive the car. No difference at all. I am not sure what the previous owners put in the transmition (may have been Redline).

I read previous posts about shifting at the proper RPM. As I drove this morning I paid attention to the RPM (ie; shifted out of first at 4000 rpm). I think using RPM is incorrect, as the RPMs slow as soon as you go to shift - probably should be measured more in miles per hour.

Driving the car around town is kind of combersome due to the notchy shifting. I am going to loosen the shift gate to see if that makes any difference.

 

Yes it is the shift gate. First I took both screws out and drove the car. Much more easier to shift into the gears, but a pain as the shift gate was bouncing around and in the way. Screwed only the back screw in and left the front one out so the shift gate could turn and pivot. Much more better, but looks bad. Now I need a rubber screw to let the shift gate "float" as I shift. Does anybody have any sugestions?

 

Purchased the improved gated shifter from Ricambi yesterday and it arrived today (super fast shipping seeing I ordered it 4:00 pm). Put the improved gated shifter in and - YES it made a big difference vs the stock gated shifter. The shifting is still notchie when cold (still improved) but once the transmition warms up, shifting is much better as it give more room for the shifter to move to where it needs to go.