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How does a torque converter work?

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Old 04-06-2007, 11:20 PM
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Default How does a torque converter work?

Is there a faq somewhere that explains how a torque converter works? Or can some please give me the low down? I'm coming over from a T-56 and am new to racing with an auto trans. I have a Rossler RMVB T-brake TH400 with an ATI 8" 4000 stall converter, cooler, and B&M Pro Ratchet shift kit going in the car.

Can someone give me the basics?

- The difference between an 8" and 10" converter.
- What is meant by the converter "flashing?"
- A good rpm to leave at off the T-brake?
- Anything else that I should know???
Old 04-07-2007, 08:32 AM
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Go to any of the well know names and they have explainations of there websites:
Try fuddle, edge, yank, any of these should be of hellp.
Old 04-07-2007, 09:35 AM
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Here is a basic description of how torque converters work..........

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/torque-converter.htm
Old 04-07-2007, 12:50 PM
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it jsut does
Old 04-07-2007, 12:53 PM
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hows the posi-trac on a plymouth work? it just does!
Old 04-07-2007, 12:55 PM
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Originally Posted by daniel6718
hows the posi-trac on a plymouth work? it just does!

there it is I couldnt remember it exactly but I fixed it now
Old 04-08-2007, 08:26 AM
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For a Tbrake, the idea is leave at your stall speed, assuming you bought a stall matched to your motor.

8" converter is much easier to make into an efficent converter at high stall speeds.
Old 04-08-2007, 01:19 PM
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The converter is matched to my motor. ATI won't let you pick what stall you want. They ask you everything about your car, from the cam and intake size, to the header and collector size...and rear tire size, gears, etc. Then they tell you what stall the canverter is going to be. They told me that mine would be right around 3800-4000.

So off the t-brake, I should leave right around 4000rpms?

I'm still confused about what people are talking about when they say "flashing" the converter.
Old 04-08-2007, 01:35 PM
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zeus I notice yur in fayettenam... would you ever like to meet up sometime, mmaybe go on a cruise around town or out by the fort bragg reservation?
Old 04-08-2007, 03:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Tainted
zeus I notice yur in fayettenam... would you ever like to meet up sometime, mmaybe go on a cruise around town or out by the fort bragg reservation?
Yeah man, I'd be down for something like that when I get back. I'm deployed right now, I shoud be back mid-May. And as soon as I get back the car is going to the shop for a trans swap. But I'll definately be getting some track time in when I get the car back. Stay in touch man.
Old 04-08-2007, 04:44 PM
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Basically? It allows the engine to idle while the car is standing still, in gear (Which would be very bad to try to do with a manual car.) The torque converter does exacly what it's name suggests: It converts engine torque as it pass through to the tranny to ratio of 100% on the engine side to almost nothing (Stand-still, no throttle) from 100% to almost 100% (WOT, moving)

Thats all I got. For things like diameter, stall ratings and other some such you'll have to search the intraweb. It's useful for more than cheap ****. I promise!
Old 04-08-2007, 04:55 PM
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Yes, leave at 4000.

Flashing the converter is when you stomp the gas from a dead stop. The converter will flash up close to its rated stall speed.
Old 04-08-2007, 05:29 PM
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what converter should i put in my six speed camaro? im thinking a 3200 stall... it needs one bad
Old 04-08-2007, 05:34 PM
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Old 04-08-2007, 05:34 PM
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what a newbie.. you should sell that car and buy a honda...
Old 04-08-2007, 05:51 PM
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now now people... For all we know he could be the first camaro 6l80 e swap, connected to a viper v10 no doubt. You know those v10s need the high stalls...
Old 04-08-2007, 06:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Ragtop 99
Yes, leave at 4000.

Flashing the converter is when you stomp the gas from a dead stop. The converter will flash up close to its rated stall speed.
So is this good, or bad? Should I floor it from idle and flash the converter when I leave the line, or should I use the T-brake and leave at 4k?
Old 04-08-2007, 08:23 PM
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you have a pm zeus
Old 04-08-2007, 08:27 PM
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Originally Posted by chiefs camaro
what converter should i put in my six speed camaro? im thinking a 3200 stall... it needs one bad
the fluxcapacitor converter. I heard it's the best converter for your 6 speed.
Old 04-08-2007, 11:27 PM
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Originally Posted by bene
the fluxcapacitor converter. I heard it's the best converter for your 6 speed.
Thats only if u spool the flux to 13.75psi and use all your nos's at the same time.



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