I have a 1996 RS camaro with the 3.8l, it's an automatic .I bought the car with a cracked block, replace original engine with a 3.8 out of a 95'. Ever since I had the car I first noticed the Speedo would read WAY faster than I was actually going resulting in the speedometer maxing at 148 or so (but the car was only going approxamately 50 mph) , the second thing was I had absolutely NO power in drive/overdrive from a dead stop to slightly rolling. And third when manually shifted into 1 gear it's not engaging and staying in 2nd (can't tell a shift between gears whatsoever) and it seems like it's missing 1st , 4th and 5th gears . not sure what my problem is any information is greatly appreciated . thank you

 

trans uses throttle position, speed and a couple other sensors to regulate shifting. I'm sure the speedo is part of the problem. 4th gen auto trans is 4speed so you would not have a 5th gear.

 

You replaced the engine but did not touch the transmission? You are using the PCM and wiring harness from the 96?

 

@gorn -no i did not, only thing different is the engine itself. i have replaced the VSS a while back and still nothing, i had it scanned and threw the codes for MAP, MAF, and clutch switch, but its an automatic

forgot my password to my first acc "siscokidd" so this is my new one.

 

The 95 is old ball computer wise. I am not sure if this could be a sensor from the 95 messing things up or PCM failing.

Do you remember the codes? clutch pack solenoid error would make sense.

 

i forgot to mention its had this problem since before i changed the motor

 

Well first thing I would do hook up a scanner and recheck the codes and also see if the PCM matches how fast you are going or is what the speedometer is reading. If the PCM does not know the correct speed the transmission can not shift right.

 

There is no trouble code for "clutch switch" for that year to my knowledge. How was this scan done? Be aware for 95 or 96 the 3.8L would be OBD2 and is very easy to scan.

 

Perhaps he's referring to PO740: torque converter clutch circuit malfunction. One of the possible causes would be a bad TCC solenoid.
That wouldn't be the cause for his not going over 50 problem, but whatever is causing that could be affecting the tcc as well.

 

well i found a ls1/4l60e i was going to purchase but the guy flaked out on me so im back to this issue i suppose. ill go get it rescanned and bring you guys the codes.
by the way, THANK YOU ALL FOR THE RESPONSES , the internet doesnt seem to show much about the 3.8l in the 95-97..