Need transmission advice/help - was loud clatter

[Cees Klumper]

Thanks Ed, for keeping us posted on your experiences and successes, great to hear all is well.




Minor tidbit is that the transmission is supposed to start in 2nd (unless 2nd gear is chosen rather than Drive, or you positively floor it from starting in D, engaging the kickdown switch).

[Ed Riefstahl]

Hey Cees,
Thanks for the little tidbit, it comes as a surprise. I had always thought it should start in 2nd, as mine always did, unless I put the lever all the way forward, or as you say push the kick-down button under the gas peddle. However, after installing my new trans, I felt I had been mistaken all these years, because my 280S starts in 1st.

It actually shifts exactly the same as my 1970 280S. I mentioned the same thing to Mark of Sun Valley Trans, in an email and he never said anything about it. I actually like it much better this way. It's actually much nicer to drive. Even pulling out into traffic is much easier. I couldn't be happier with the transmission.

I don't feel that there is anything wrong with it, do you?
Thanks for the comments and feedback.

Regards,
Ed Riefstahl
Erie, PA
(North East, PA is the name of our little town). I'ts not the location or directions.

1966 230SL (Ms Magoo)
1970 280S (Miss Daisy)
1989 300SE (Majestic)
1999 BMW Z3 5 speed
1991 BMW 318I 5 Speed
1997 Toyota Paseo Convertible - Red 5 speed (have you ever seen one?)
1997 Ford Ranger step side (Mater)
2023 Mazda CX 5

[Pawel66]

Normally they do start form the 2nd gear unless locked or with kick down, as you said.

[rwmastel]

Yeah, should be a 2nd gear start.  But, if you ever swap out the whole rear axle for disk brakes and a 3.27 differential, it would be a nice feature!!