[CadillacLuke24]

May have located a parts car, she's in Grant's Pass, OR. Sounds to be in good shape, the only issue (and the reason for such a price drop) is that the transmission won't shift into overdrive per the current owner.

Having leafed through my spare manual, 3rd is listed as for daily driving (like overdrive), with the difference that it is used for more power at the penalty of reduced fuel economy.

My question is, Can I drive her home to Casper, WY (nearly 1200 miles)? Obviously if not, Clyde will happily tug her home, but I imagine fuel costs will be much lower with a Northstar V8 than with a L86 6.2L V8 with 6500 lbs in tow.

Thank you guys!

 

[maeng9981]

3rd gear is 1:1, not an issue for an otherwise healthy car. Some people consider P0741 as not going in overdrive which is false. In that case you can just drive in D all day.

 

[Submariner409]

If it's a car with the 4T80E, as posted, 3rd gear is 1.00:1, 4th gear is the OD at 0.68:1.

If TCC is stuck off (either P 1860 - the solenoid, or P 0741 - leaking TC shaft seals) then you could drive the car for years at 80, no sweat.

Northstar VIN Y (base Deville, later DHS) with the 3.11 final drive - here's the speed/rpm table with TCC engaged.​ Without it, you run an extra 300 rpm or so. Ask for specifics..............

 

[RudyF6]

Drive it! I've put 1000's of miles on my trucks while towing with overdrive switched off, what's the difference?

 

[rodnok01]

No harm other than extra rpms and fuel costs Luke.
1200 mile trip in an unknown car is not something i personally would do.
To me I'd keep looking for something closer or get a auto transport to haul it and save the hassle.

 

[CadillacLuke24]

Believe me, I would love to have something closer. There are two white 96s in Colorado on Facebook currently, but they are double my budget. I've been watching things like a hawk, so if something changes I'll know about it.

I think that is primarily my main concern with along distance car. I've already traveled quite far, twice, to have things not pan out. I've enjoyed the trips, but boy they add up!

 

[rodnok01]

Budget I understand, are you including gas/food/wear and tear and lodging into your long distance trips? If you have to drop 3 or 400 on a trip do you reduce the amount from car budget? If not dropped just add that amount to parts car local search amount....

 

[CadillacLuke24]

I haven't been doing that, and am considering it. One of the CO cars seems to drop price every other day. Same year, same exterior color, same interior color, and it's 500 off the starting price....