Shifting RPM

airwolf · May 28, 2004

I just bought a 1998 Chev 4X4 with the 5.7 Vortec. I pulled my trailer last weekend. I was pulling in Drive and went to pass another vehicle. The transmission kicked down into 2nd gear and didn't shift into drive until the tach hits 5000rpm. My 1992 Chev with a 5.7 in it would shift at 4500rpm. I have a problem with my 1998 reving unnecessarily like that. Is there a way I can adjust the 1998 to shift at a lower RPM like 4500. It also kicks down to easy. I would like to see it lug a little more before it shifts down like my 1992.

Thanks, Dave

robsawatsky · May 28, 2004

If you keep your foot in it, it will go to 5000 RPM or even a bit more. The only way around that is to let off on the gas pedal. Same thing for kick-down. Yes you could reprogram the shift points but you would be eliminating one of the prime advantages of the 5.7 VORTEC over the earlier engines - far superior intake breathing. The reason it rev's to 5000 RPM is because it can and still produce good power - the older 5.7 was suffocating by 5000.

airwolf · May 29, 2004

I would still like to reprogram the shift points. I have lots of power pulling my trailer, I don't really need to be hard on the motor. I would like to use it's torque. Sure I can back off the throttle and it will upshift, but I am also backing off on fuel and air which I still want.

How do I go about reprograming it? What do I need?

Thanks, Dave