Well...if TCS doesnt resolve their problems soon, I guess theyre not going to be the "most bang for the buck" converter anymore. Not too long ago they were, but after whats been going on, I dont think anyone is going to consider them. I was really set on a 3800, 2.75 str, and a 98% efficiency with 5600/5700 shift extensions. Whether they fix the communication problem or not, I think that Im going to go elsewhere. I was really excited about buying a converter and even more so because I was getting an awesome deal. ($675 shipped with GP) I ordered it a couple a weeks before the GP ended, and I had asked Derek if I could send the payment now. (the time upon ordering) He said no, that he would call me a couple of days before completion of the converter so I could send it then. I was like...ok. Anyhow, I guess he told me to hold onto my money for a reason. I dont want to ramble on about TCS anymore, because theres been enough said about them already. So here's my dilemma...I know what specs I want for a converter, however, Im not going with a TCS anymore and I wanted to know if I should just stick with next "most bang for the buck" converter, or buy a Yank or Vigilante? What makes Yanks the best or better over other competitors? Specifically...what makes a Yank so much more expensive than a TCI? I know, I know...you get what you pay for, but theres really a big price difference between them. (TCI/Yank) Does Yank use more expensive or better parts? If I do decide to go with a Yank, how in the heck do you choose just 1? Theres so many to choose from, how do I know which one is best for me? Thank you so much and any help is much appreciated!

 

you have them choose one for you, you can always get 1 restall free IIRC.. Give them specs/dyno/etc. Thats what i've been learning. The SS3600/3800 look real nice, but is it really $350 nicer? That could buy you a nitrous kit

 

My honest opinion is that a TCI 3500-3800 will 60 ft as well or about as well as any Yank 3500-3800 converter. Afterall, I did see consistent low 1.6 60s with a FULL weight internally stock car and stock gears. I'm not sure I've seen that with any other 3500 converter of any brand. This is NOT to say that I think I would have done any worse with a Yank SS3600, for example. I'm not saying that at all. I'm just saying, this is very stout evidence that the TCI 3500 is one helluva hard launching converter and is the best bang for the buck out there.

However, I think Yank's efficiency (in large part due to it's stator design I'm sure) will yeild a slightly higher trap speed. Maybe a MPH? I really can't say with any degree of resolution.

With a Yank SS converter you also get a 21 blade stator for increased drivability, and you get a converter that is a couple of lbs lighter than a TCI. However, a 21 blade stator will lower the shift extension a couple hundred RPM. Solution? Go higher on the stall to get it back. Well, that gives back some of that increased drivability. So, it's a give/take kinda thing.

I'm a BIG fan of both the Yank and the TCI street converters, but when we're talking bang for the buck, the TCI is hard to beat.