Need help; Cadillac 425 engine and trans problem

Hey guys new to this site and just getting into cars...I bought a 1977 Cadillac sedan deville a few months ago. I've had a few problems with the car and basically need ideas what could be wrong with it and if I can do this with a friend or I should take it to a shop.

the car had a bad water pump, a stuck thermostat and a fuel leak where the fuel line enters the carb... I was driving it home and the engine bay caught on fire...Thankfully outside of hoses everything seemed to be okay... I fixed the water pump and thermostat with a friend, but were having a hard time figuring out where a few of the hoses went, so I asked an older guy that said he could help me out... we got it running again but he stuck a bolt in the end of a hose coming from the back of the intake manifold and the used a hollow tube that fit into two pieces of hose that burnt through. (to connect them) it goes from one of the hoses from the distributer. I question what he did but can't seem to find any good pics or schematics to find out for sure... I took him home that night and let him drive it, he drove it like he stole it and after dropping him off my transmission started to act funny. transmission seemed to slip alot and at times wouldn't even go into gear. I checked transmission fluid and it was low so I added until it was within lines. The transmission still seemed to slip but felt like it was firming up after trying to get it into gear for a bit. I had a battery problem and just got a new one today, fired her up, but she's not going into gear at all, further more she seems to have a whine coming from the transmission...

I could really use some ideas about what it could be, so I can better plan on what I need to do... torque converter? valve body? transmission bands? could it be related to the engine or hoses? will it be cheaper to just buy a used tranny or get it fixed at a shop, or something I might be able to do with basic tools?

changing transmissions is best done on a hoist, can be done laying on the floor with the car up on jackstands---either method you should have a transmission jack or some really strong friends!!!! That old of a car, i'd guess the tranny needs a rebuild. Might get an estimate from a few transmission shops for a rebuild or a reman and see where you get the best deal.

Ya im hoping not though lol! I was told the trans in these cars last for a long time, but do you have any info on the hose routing?

Try the Reference Section of your local library. They often have old Motor's Manuals or other general repair manuals that give you a full routing for the hoses atop the engine. If not then Amazon may be your friend.

You can do a search on Yahoo type in 77 Cadillac vac line routing you'll get a drawing there

Just a guess.Does the Caddy trans have a modulator needing vac??.

I had a TH-400 in a Pontiac do this because the Paper type Filter was stopped up . Later a Trans shop told me about the Truck type TH-400 Screen Filter and Sold me one . I topped it off with Ford Type-F Fluid and it never had a Problem again . Also yes if the Modulator is bad it can shift poorly . Check the Manifold Vacuum Line for damage / Leaks or if pinched off . And when you pull the Vacuum Line off the trans Look to see if any Trans Fluid drips out . If so the Modulator is also Bad .

i switched up the modulator, im thinkin it might be the hard line, i bought the chilton n its showing me some vacuum diagrams, i hope this works!!!!

Not a caddy expert but tracing all the vacuum lines should help you out..quite possible a vacuum line runs to the transmission.
The vacuum T usually runs hose from the distributor to carb..maybe to the charcoal canister and other accessories.
I would pull the trans pan and check for metal and other crud..change out the filter.
Don't over torque the trans pan on re install...the torque setting is probably 8-10 ft pounds.