Ok, solved the problem?
When I disassembled the valve body, I notced the gasket facing the suction passage from the filter bore was torn. In the solenoid body, gasket material was in the screen of the epc solenoid, about 20 to 30 percent blockage. I used the dril bit to drill between passages as directed in the kit. I screwed up and the drill nicked the main pressure valve, but did not puncture it. I replaced the three springs in the valve body. I used the bore buddy brush to clean the accumulator bores. I used both accumulator pistons in the kit, even though the kit said to only use the new piston in the 1-2 bore, since both pistons were able to rock in their bores. I did replace all four vb and sb gaskets. The vb gasket on one side came off the plate very easily, there was trans fluid between it and the plate 100% of its surface, this was the side with the failed gasket material. The other side was stuck good. I used a cookie sheet across two stove burners and boiled the plate in water for 15 minutes. Used a razor blade to remove gasket material. The solenoid body gaskets were stuck good to both sides of the plate. I boiled that one for 15 minutes. That worked for the screen side, but the other side was stuck good. I left the sb plate in vinegar overnight, was able to clean it off with a razor blade.
Ok got it put back together, put in 5.5 quarts fluid with 24oz lucas transmission fix. Let it idle for 10 minutes to be sure the pump wasnt cavitating. Shift into reverse instant and smooth, just like before the repair. Shift from neutral to drive was instant and smooth, not a super harsh jerk like before repair. 2 and 1 also ok. The second time around, it banged into drive from neutral just like before repair. Went for a drive. Same flare up to 4k before 1 to 2 shift. Drove a couple miles till the malfunction light came on, just like before repair. Turned car off, then back on. Same behavior. A couple miles later the 1 2 shift became normal. The bang into drive also went away.
Don't know whsts going on. The problem appeared suddenly, and disappeared just as quickly.
Ill drive it again tomorrow and let you know. Perhaps one of the solenoids was clogged and now it's not? The lucas really works?