Nissan Repair: primera problems, camshaft bearings, vacuum leak

Question
I have just finished fitting a replacement engine to a P10 primera which i bought after the original engine failed through dirty oil spinning the camshaft bearings. On the initial test drive, the transmission would only engage first and second gears with a slight snatch shift into second, then just rev out with no further changes. I have been adjusting the kickdown cable at the bracket on the top of the Trans below the throttle body, result being, I can get all gears to engage but it just doesn't feel right, all the awy through the cable adjustment, almost like it's slipping or, on other occasions, like it's in limp mode (no power delivery). The transmission body is getting too hot to touch, does this mean it's slipping? What ideas do you have?

Answer
Craig,

I would look at the shift cable and make sure it is fully extended when the throttle is to the floor.  Also, I would check to make sure the sensors are connected properly to the transmission.  If it worked before it should work now.  So, check out the connectors and make sure it is full of fluid.  But, from what you are saying you might have a vacuum leak to the manifold absolute pressure sensor or the vacuum sensor that lets the transmission know when it is loading.  Email me back if you need more.  Also, if you have a transmission shop with a computer scanner locally they could look at the data stream coming from the transmission to see if any codes are stored or if there is a problem with a servo or valvebody.