We already have a 85 with the 12 A engine. We're having such an azzpain getting the smog in AZ done that we bought a 84 with a 12 A engine so we could put our 85 back to OEM.

Anyway, the 84 donor car problems stated as; auto transmission won't go into reverse or go past 45mph at 7000 rpm. Ideas for a fix? Is it worth it to rebuilt the car tranny? Engine's got 250K plus on it but runs. It's in decent shape body/interior so I'm hoping this won't cost an arm/leg to fix. we may give the car to our 16 year old son as a project car. Help would be appreciated.

 

Sounds as if it's not leaving 1st gear. That doesn't really explain the loss of Reverse, though.

First things first, make sure the fluid is full.

If that doesn't fix it, it could be a valvebody problem, or maybe some burnt out clutch or band linings, possibly compounded with a stuck governor. (Is the vacuum line to the modulator even connected?

Unfortunately "won't cost an arm/leg to fix" and "Japanese automatic" are two phrases not normally found side by side in nature. Best bet is to find a '84-85 (two year only trans!) with an automatic...

 

I pick the car up this weekend so I haven't seen it yet to look anything over.

 

The guy I bought it from is in Phoenix and hasn't tried to contact me yet! It's frustrating.