1) The ALDA has a
significant effect on part throttle shifting - I would definitely adjust the ALDA. It has no effect on full-throttle (redline) shifts.
2) The VCV (on the side of the IP) is not adjusted with a vacuum gauge. This MUST be adjusted per the factory procedure. It's a black/white, zero/one, yes/no, binary adjustment. It's either correct or it's not, there is no gray area. I've tried to adjust shifting softer/firmer by moving it a little one way or the other in the slots, and all it does is make the tranny shift screwy. I can't explain it, I don't understand it, I just know that on several '87 300D's it's done the same thing. The factory procedure is at
this link (200kb PDF file). Note that the adjustment is done with the engine
off and there is no mention of setting to a particular vacuum reading. Usually it will end up right in the middle of the adjuting slots.
3) The modulator pressure should be set with the gauge as a rough guide, but otherwise it's set by seat of the pants. Basically you want it so there is zero flare at full throttle shifts, and no firmer. This is not always where the pressure gauge says it should be. There's even a note in the WIS about ignoring the gauge when the shifts are off. You might want to check out the 722.3 diagnostics at
this link (1.5MB PDF file).
4) Make sure the pressure line from the ALDA to the BFS (blue flying saucer) is clean and all the lines (both vacuum AND pressure) in that area have solid rubber connectors... sometimes the ones underneath, out of sight, can crack and leak. (Don't ask how I know!)
