I don't think that your linkage is the issue. You can use it to adjust shifts but that is a dangerous game and wil likely get you into trouble. The right way is to change the governor which means dropping the pan. Lighter governor weights shift later so you may want to look for one with heavier weights. The other consideration would be to look at what your rear axle gearing is. Most guys with 2004r's like a 3.55 or 3.73 rear.

 

I've got the opposite problem. My 2004R shifts too early for my preference, but I have the option of holding it in gear via the shifter. The Buick GN forum has a lot of info on these transmissions, you may want to peruse it for info. I have read cases where the spring pops off the governor weights, which can result in very late shifting like you're experiencing. Unfortunately as listed above, the only way to get at it is to drop the pan. Not fun when such adjustments usually require several attempts at trial and error.

 

Look for a governor from a 442,Turbo Buick or Monte SS

 

When the pan is off, install a drain plug. That will make future gov or valve body changes easier. BTDT.

 

Your TV cable is not adjusted correct, or the link rod fell off during cable installation. First off you can't use the TH350/TH400 "kick down" hole on the Holley carb lever, it pulls the TV cable at the wrong ratio needed for the 200/700 trans. You say your trans guy made you a part for the linkage? Dose this part correct the "pull ratio" or just merely a mount the cable/casing?
First off get the "lock-up' solenoid working, than proceed adjusting the TV cable! The correct way is with a pressure gauge, and not flooring it to pull it through the ratchet mechanism on the cable end!
On the left side of the case just down from the bell housing is an 1/8npt plug, this is your pressure port for the gauge. At idle you need 55 to 70 psi, be careful as it's very sensitive if the cable is to tight, or to lose, it will put the transmission in default mode (high pressure), and you can't adjust the pressure down with the engine running! You need to shut it off, adjust the cable, and try again!
The posted photo is the correct geometry that the cable needs to pull, in reference to the center line of the throttle shaft.
Once this setting is done, and the trans shifts as it should, than if your not happy you can start fiddling with the governor, typically these units up-shift fast, and at a low RPM with moderate throttle input! Hope this helps you out...... Oh and the phone number on the paper in the photo dose not pertain to anything, it's just a suppliers scratch pad.....
Mike..

 

Your TV cable is not adjusted correct, or the link rod fell off during cable installation. First off you can't use the TH350/TH400 "kick down" hole on the Holley carb lever, it pulls the TV cable at the wrong ratio needed for the 200/700 trans. You say your trans guy made you a part for the linkage? Dose this part correct the "pull ratio" or just merely a mount the cable/casing?
First off get the "lock-up' solenoid working, than proceed adjusting the TV cable! The correct way is with a pressure gauge, and not flooring it to pull it through the ratchet mechanism on the cable end!
On the left side of the case just down from the bell housing is an 1/8npt plug, this is your pressure port for the gauge. At idle you need 55 to 70 psi, be careful as it's very sensitive if the cable is to tight, or to lose, it will put the transmission in default mode (high pressure), and you can't adjust the pressure down with the engine running! You need to shut it off, adjust the cable, and try again!
The posted photo is the correct geometry that the cable needs to pull, in reference to the center line of the throttle shaft.
Once this setting is done, and the trans shifts as it should, than if your not happy you can start fiddling with the governor, typically these units up-shift fast, and at a low RPM with moderate throttle input! Hope this helps you out...... Oh and the phone number on the paper in the photo dose not pertain to anything, it's just a suppliers scratch pad.....
Mike..

That geometry posted is incorrect.

See this thread and these posts for the correct geometry:

Torque Converter Fully Seating?

Ok, Reference thread from a couple years ago when I picked up a used transmission: Is this 200-4r modified for non-lockup? I'm finally installing this transmission, hoping it works ok. I'm pretty sure I have my torque converter fully seated, but I measure a 7/8" distance from bellhousing...

www.chevelles.com

 

When i first put the 2004R in my Monte, i had really high shift points like you described, i knew something was not right just trying to get it out of my works parking lot. I am fairly positive the throttle valve inside the trans was stuck "in", basically telling the trans my foot was heavy into the fun pedal, which it wasnt. Under light throttle, your shifts should be happening much lower, just like you would expect. If you go to bowtie overdrives site, i think they have the shift points listed for light/medium/heavy throttle.
I wouldnt drive the car much further, but i think high shift points are less detrimental to the trans then low shift points.
Just for fun, you could, take the cable off the carb linkage, and pull on it to see if you feel like you are working the throttle valve......but i kinda forget where the spring is, so it could be that you tug on it and it feels like its working the valve, but it still may be stuck in. Someone with more knowledge may know the answer to that one.
You could leave the cable disconnected from the carb, and drive it. They are "supposed" to still shift somewhat properly, this is in the event the cable breaks or comes un-done. If it shifts any different, then you may want to start looking at your adjustment on the TV cable.
There is a youtube video floating around, which was helpful to me, which showed how the throttle valve should be seated at idle, inside the pan, and showing where it should be when the cable is adjusted properly at idle.

 

Thanks for your input....