2002 Trans Am

MONEY NOT A FACTOR.

Who makes a better product? (quality, performance)

I was set on a Vig3200, but reading post after post after post about them ripping up the transmission I am beginning to worry.

I haven't heard any negative feedback on the TCI 3500 for some time (a while ago I used to read negative stuff, but not lately) Not sure if it is because they are a vendor now or what, but this worries me.

Also I don't want to hear about Yank, I would love a SS3600, but money then becomes a factor

2001 Pewter WS6

iTrader: (43)

The Vig3200 is one of the most reliable converters out there. I have had a Yank a Vig and a TCI. I had the Yank first and had nothing but problems and very poor customer service. I then got a Vig3200 and loved it. No issues at all. I sold that and stepped up to a TCI Competition 4400 and have never had an issue.

Dom

iTrader: (2)

You shouldn't be dissapointed with either as far as customer service and quality.

onebadz

Ditto even though money isnt a factor TCI will prob be your best bang for the buck.

BYOFICR

I love my TCI SSF 3500, havent had a problem yet

Patrick G

iTrader: (14)

What's the real price difference between these two converters and a Yank SS 3600 at 10% off? (from one of several sponsors). Just curious (since money is ALWAYS a factor).

$805.50 for Yank SS 3600 at 10% off.

How much for the Vig and TCI?

RED01TAWS6

The Vig is about 675

The TCI is about 500

2002 Trans Am

And both the TCI and Vig are currently on sale for 10% off. So its a $200 differance between the Vig and Yank and $350 for the Yank and TCI


Red can you lead me to the sponsor who has it for 675, I have seen 700 I believe as the lowest.
Thanks

foff667

iTrader: (2)

my gauge on things is that yank and vig make the best converters...but TCI makes a great product at a great price...also kevin from tci is on the board every now and again and seems to really help out in the customer service dept im sure if there was something wrong theyd do you right. I myself bought a TCI SSF3500...for the price, and quality it cant be beat...and unlike some of the smaller companies it doesnt look like TCI is going anyplace soon so id trust their customer satisfaction rate up there with those two i mentioned.

lata
Bill

offaxis

iTrader: (19)

I think the vig might be a better . It comes with a 2 year warr (TcI is 30 days? I think) Plus after you buy your first converter and then decide you should have gone with a higher stall like everyone else the vig gives you 1 free restall ( I dont think TcI does) . As far as performance I would think they are pretty close.

Please correct me if I am wrong on any of this. If the price isnt the issue I would go Vig. If I was tight on cash and didnt care about the warr and free restall Id go for the TcI

99 Black Bird T/A

iTrader: (4)

While I don't have a T/C yet from what I read and have learned talking to folks that have had several converters, my impression goes like this.

Quality
Vig - best of the best 4pts
Yank - outstanding 3pts
TCI - excellent 2pts

Performance
Yank - best of the best 4pts
Vig - outstanding 3pts
TCI - excellent to outstanding 2.5 pts

Cost
TCI - Best bang for the buck 4pts
Vig - Almost the best bang for the buck 3pts
Yank - Most expensive of the three 2pts



Best Overall
Vig 10 pts

Runner Up
Yank 9 pts

2nd Runner Up
TCI 8.5 pts

Note their are no "losers" out of these three because they are all winners. It's really about what you want IMO.

I want something that very unlikey to give problems and lasts a long time while providing excellent performance at a reasonable price.

Vig

celerityZ

Though TCI doesn't advertise it, you are wrong. The warranty is 90 days, but Kevin has said numerous times if one of his converters has a problem within the first year he will typically take care of it. Also, he has said a free restall is on the table during the first year as well.

99 Black Bird T/A

iTrader: (4)

If Kevin @ TCI is saying that why not put it in writing, so it's even more reassuring if TCI is going to do that.

99 Black Bird T/A

iTrader: (4)

Actually if it's not in writing then he's right. Why not put it in writing right up front if they are actually going to do it? I don't find word of mouth promises very reassuring. Kevin might indeed do that while he's there but what if he's promoted or finds another job in the next few months? Will his replacement honor what he said? Sounds like a pretty fair risk to take IMO.

JoSeY

I have a 3disc vig 4000 stall...I've got probably 30,000 miles on it and love it...locks up nice and smooth. Locked vs unlocked on the dyno I only lost 3ish Hp...very efficient converter....and I've always used the stock tranny cooler with no problems. 106,000 miles on stock tranny w/stage 2 heads, x1 cam, and the car has had 100-150 shot of Juice on it since 60,000 mile mark.

Granted NOW at 106,000 miles the tranny is slipping pretty bad, but the converter has held up tremendously.

I would HIGHLY suggest being drove or driving a car with stalls before making ur decision...and trust me...don't go w/anything less than 3200 stall period...even that low and u'll get bored quickly. I drive my 4000 stall EVERYDAY and drive quality and gas mileage does not suffer hardly at all unless I'm romping on it.

2002 Trans Am

I have driven my buddies camaro for about 5 minutes. Granted his setup would be very different than mine, I did not notice a differance in ride quality at all, actually I enjoyed the extra play in the pedal, I guess thats what you guys call "looseness".

He has a ST3500 with a 3.0str 3.23 gears
I will end up with a 3500-3800 stall with I guess a 2.5-2.75 str and 2.73 gears.

I am assuming the vig3200 is a 2.57 and and SSF3500 is probably the same, anyone want to confirm this for me?

celerityZ

Can't argue with that.

RED01TAWS6

Speed Inc

samz28

so you can make more noise (without moving rapidly) with a stall?? is that looseness?

2002 Trans Am

There must have been a price increase, its listed as 699 now
Thats still the best deal I could find, except for the special that is going on now