[aaron7621]

thanks for the reply. I'm sure i can get a vacuum gauge from my dads work.

I have checked the fluid lines and have found no kinks anywheres. For the most part the car is pretty much stock with the exceptions of filters, lines, plugs, and a carb and radiator. the trans cooler lines go into the radiator and no aftermarket part. i know the vacuum port out of the modulator runs right all the way into the manifold via a spliter. i checked the linkage and it's fine.

I'm thinking it's internal just because it takes so long for the car to go into drive. like the seals are hard and soften up with the heat overtime. plus the car feels like it wants to "go" but can't. like something is holding it back.

thanks for the replies. I'll look into checking the vacuum lines for sure next.
-aaron