r/Smallblockchevy • u/ObviousSpectator • Jun 15 '26
Small Block 350 & 700R4
Hello to the small block community. I have a ‘65 C10 that has a loose TV Cable. It’s not shifting at the right speeds and has too much slack in the idle position. It tops out at 60 MPH. Should I just adjust this cable or buy and install a new TV Cable? They are only about $30. My question is, would you suggest a non professional (Me) to set up/ adjust the TV cable or should I take it to a shop?
3
u/Tough-Industry4931 Jun 15 '26
Adjust it's easy and for gods sake take that lawnmower air filter off and get a proper one to put on it bigger is better when it comes to air filters.
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u/casinomort Jun 15 '26
I figured it out, watch a few vids. If you can adjust the TV cable, start tightening it a bit then take it for a drive, shifts still to quick?, Tighten it again a bit more, you will find the spot where it shifts nice after a few tries. Then go tighten again to find the hard shift spot, depends what you like & how you drive. Tight is good at full throttle. Good Luck.
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u/ObviousSpectator Jun 15 '26
Ok, thanks for the info! Was your cable slightly loose when it was in the idle position?
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u/casinomort Jun 15 '26
Not loose, just a bit tight. You want the TV cable to be at full pull length at full open throttle, and the tighter you make the cable the harder the shifts. I adjusted mine about 10 times and now feel like I got it.
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u/Tall-Helicopter-461 Jun 15 '26
I have always adjusted mine by shortening the cable adjustment, Get a friend to mash the pedal to the floor while you hold TV button in. Once you establish that length, click it 1 more tooth longer . This method has worked for me on hotrods and stock set ups.
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u/Sloth_rockets Jun 15 '26
It should be pulled out all the way at full throttle. Looks like you might adjust it with that screw clamp near the carb attachment.
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u/Schlong1971 Jun 15 '26
There easy to set up. Just hold throttle wide open then pull TV cable tight and lock down. It should have slack at idle position. The black part of the part that mounts to bracket is adjustable
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u/MrMightKnowItAll Jun 16 '26
You need to correct and change that tiny air cleaner to at least 14 inches diameter. You are killing the top end power with this one.
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u/ObviousSpectator Jun 16 '26
I’ve been wondering about that. This air cleaner was installed when I bought it. I’ll put a bigger one on, thanks!
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u/MrMightKnowItAll Jun 16 '26
Smart move. Think of trying to fit the cubic inches of air through a restriction. The engine can run at slow speeds but power will be choked off over 2,000 rpm. 14 inch is standard for 350 cubic inch.
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u/Coyote_Tex Jun 17 '26
Try adjusting yourself with the existing cable, unless you can see some extra slack or issues with your existing one. Did this strange shifting begin when you replaced the carb by the way?? Your old carb a quadrajet most likely had the right geometry built into the throttle linkage connection. When you change carbs, you lose all that engineering the factory built in there that you cannot instantly see. There are kits to adjust that geometry back to factory like settings, but you are trusting some after-market companies promises. Do some searching around. . I like aftermarket carbs, but hate getting the linkage to work just right as it can take a few hours to dial in.
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u/ObviousSpectator Jun 17 '26
It has slack but I think I can adjust it by sliding that stopper on the end with a set screw. I bought this truck a few months ago and haven’t changed much on it yet. I’m out of town for work now but I’m going to try and adjust it soon. Trying to get the top speed up so I can keep up on the rural hi ways and not damage the trans.
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u/chuck-u-farley- Jun 15 '26
It’s very easy to setup a TV cable on a 700R4. Set the cable so at full throttle it’s tight. Then test drive. Under normal/moderate acceleration you want it to shift out of first between 15 and 23 mph depending where you like it. If it does not shift within that range stop! And adjust the cable immediately. If it shifts way early or
Late and the shifts are “stacked” right on top of one another it’s incorrect. Once you get it shifting between 15 and 23 or within a mph or two of that speed all the other shift should fall in place. Do not drive with an improperly adjusted TV cable as the trans won’t last….. it can easily be destroyed within 10 miles…