GtoSpd

iTrader: (2)

After running 12.22 at 114 with full exhaust, tuning, lid, and 3.73s I was more than disappointed to only trap 1-2 mph higher after paying for milled 243 heads, GT-11 cam, drag radials, and a higher stall (although those mods did drop my ET to an 11.6). After waiting on better air, etc..I finally decided to ask my tuner about locking my converter up. He said it wouldn't affect my ET, but would pick up trap which is what I am after at this point. First retune he locked it up at 88 mph, but on the track it wasn't actually locking until about 95 mph and it only gained about 1.5 mph for a 117 trap. So I took it back to him and had it backed down 10 mph. Went back to the track today and managed an 11.6 at 118.5. Thats up from the original unlocked 115-116, the "88" mph lock up at 117 mph, to where it is now. I pulled 2 out of 3 118.5 mph runs, one was 117.5 due to blowing the tires off. Anyway, just wanted to post this up for other stalled guys that are not locking up. It will NOT change your ET any unfortunately, but it will raise your traps considerably and help out on those random roll runs.

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

Hey nice job man! You really might give a certain someone that we both know a run for his money now haha

GtoSpd

iTrader: (2)

I hope so! Thats the goal anyway, lol....nice run today btw. Get that tune worked out and I think you could very well take him as it sits.

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

Thanks man! Yeah maybe but I wouldn't count on it lol. His car is strong for sure. Maybe a tune and FAST 92 or 102...who knows lol

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

Is your converter one that is made to handle WOT lockup? If not you might prematurely wear out the lock up clutch

GtoSpd

iTrader: (2)

Not sure, bought it used from a guy on here. I do know its a Vig 9.5", 2800. It locked on its own while cruising, but slipped on WOT pulls. I dont push it like that very often, hardly ever go over 70 mph. Just a few passes on the track when the weather is right and very rarely roll race.

zracer323

iTrader: (12)

If it doesn't have triple disk clutches then you are asking for trouble...just an FYI

GtoSpd

iTrader: (2)

Doubtful it does. Not sure if they even offer triple disk in the 2800s. If it does go, I'll make sure to get one built for lock up on the next go-round.

ctgreddy

Keep lockin her up stone, if it goes then you got an excuse to t56 swap it

B18B1LS1

iTrader: (12)

I don't think a converter that tight should pick up that much with lock-up. You may have a converter problem. Even my loose pt4400 stall on a 150 shot only picked up 2-3 mph using lock-up on the big end.

adamantium

iTrader: (3)

Great job! Simple simple setup too.

GtoSpd

iTrader: (2)

Its a pretty loose converter honestly. Anyone that says a Vig 2800 isn't much better than stock is wrong. It went from 357 RWTQ to 400 with the 2800 and pulls 1.6s rolling into it fast. At any rate, your set up is totally different than mine and comparing the two is apples to oranges. I actually sacrificed trap going from a stock verter to an unlocked 2800. All locking has done is give me back what I lost and then some.

Thanks man! Other than loud valve noise from a high lift cam, it drives fairly close to stock under part throttle. Wasn't sure it could be done, but so far its been a great set-up.

Photochop

iTrader: (74)

Yeah you're playin with fire with a single lockup clutch. Locking them up does provide a nice gain, but that's why they make triple disc lockup clutch converters

GtoSpd

iTrader: (2)

Would it be cheaper to have it upgraded over buying a new stall? Or can they even do that? I figured since I'm not making all that much power it would hold a while..can always just tune it back as well.

murphinator

iTrader: (2)

lock it up to hit your target then put it back normal so you dont kill it , save settings for if you have a reason to need to lock it again ?

GtoSpd

iTrader: (2)

Well, thats more or less what I'm doing in a way. Only time I go WOT past 78 mph (lock up point and only under WOT) is on the track. I can't tell ya the last time I ran it hard like that on the street. Last December iirc. I can have it unlocked anytime by my tuner since he's only about 20 minutes from me, but honestly I'm not running it like that more than twice a month if that.

But, I'd rather just unlock it and save it than to gain 2-3 mph. Not like it changed my ET what-so-ever anyway.

Beave

I asked my tuner about locking mine up when we had it on the dyno and for going to the track but he recommended me not doing that since im still on a stock trans. I would still love to try it out though since it would prob put me into the 120's.

stumprrp

iTrader: (2)

Shows how much power the car really has. My old 396 LT1 gained 32 RWHP and 60+ RWTQ locking up my 4000 vigilante. The car was a dog on the big end. Best trap @ 3750 was only 117 MPH. I never locked it up on the street or track though because it spit out alot of trans fluid doing that on the dyno.

GtoSpd

iTrader: (2)

Exactly. Thats the real reason I wanted to lock it up, to see the true gains from the heads/cam.

Photochop

iTrader: (74)

Locking it up on the dyno and locking it up at the track are two VERY different scenarios. Locking it up on the dyno will show you the more accurate power rating as the converter is t slipping, and the load on the converter isn't near as much as it is when you're trying to push a 3000+ lb car down a track with a rear gear that's not helping it out as much either. That's why turbo cars often see more boost off the dyno - same reason.

You can have a single disc vig built to a triple with whatever stall speed you want. I had it done with a used vig I bought a few years ago and it had a complimentary restall included with it - all I paid for was the triple disc lockup clutch and shipping. I don't recall the exact price but I know buying a used converter with a free restall and the triple disc option installed from PI was cheaper than buying a brand new converter