southernsmoker

I know TCI converters aren't well liked on here and while I would love to have a custom converter from members like Circle-D, etc, it just doesn't fit in my budget for now. I am forced to buy an off-the-shelf converter for now until funds rebuild. I have found an Ultimate Street Fighter for less than half of new price that I am interested in and would like to know experiences with this particular unit. Thanks!


2000 Chevy RCSB-LQ9-235/242 cam-Vic Jr-850 Demon-150 shot-TH400 w/brake

boostit5.3

iTrader: (3)

i would advise against a tci... mine was garbage it had extremely low miles when it failed and just doesnt look well built inside. i found a used yank in the forums gonna give it a try

PontiacFan

iTrader: (104)

I used a TCI for 2-3 years or more, on a weekend cruiser, not a racecar, ..., with no issues.
So it depends on your plans for use.
From the looks of your signature, ..., I'd save up for a good used Yank, CircleD, or other.

spawne32

iTrader: (2)

*scratches TCI off list* those welds are horrific, especially on the fins in the first pic

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

On this forum, the main problem with TCI's has been lock-up clutch failure. But that unit doesn't have a lock-up clutch, so no issue there.

One thing that TCI does do is balance all their converters.

Jake's Performance

iTrader: (2)

The simple fact that the converter fins were actually welded makes it better than what I've seen from some (MOST) popular converter companies.

Welding the fins can be a PITA, they are tig welded and on some converters they are really thin so you can burn the fin easily.

The way the hub is welded in the one pic with 4 short welds looks shoddy to me but possibly they welded it on the other side the full circumference.

spawne32

iTrader: (2)

Wouldnt the way those welds are on the inner fins effect the fluid flow through the converter?

Jake's Performance

iTrader: (2)

The welds are typically small beads that keep the fins from laying over and are necessary in a powerful combo and "usually" what is referred to when "hand tig welded" is advertised.

The converter pictured has had debris damage and that is why the fins are laid over.

The 4 welds I talked about earlier are on the drive hub, so they were spots before it was welded on the outside.

DANOZ28

iTrader: (1)

in a diff thread posters mentioned that all converters are balanced one way or another. if the photos i've seen are accurate i wouldnt buy a tci. not high performance parts. southernsmoker check your pm's thx

FirstYrLS1Z

iTrader: (4)

from OPs' original post,
"I would love to have a custom converter from members like Circle-D, etc, it just doesn't fit in my budget for now. I am forced to buy an off-the-shelf converter for now until funds rebuild"
Sounds like you're going to buy one now and then buy another one later.
Why buy 2 convertors ??? Why not just wait for funds to get the convertor you actually want ??? Why go through 2 installations and 2 'playing with tune' ???
Who is 'forcing' you to buy an off-the shelf convertor ???

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Sorry folks but tci doesn't just make junk $250 converters. Isn't the ultimate their upgraded unit? Might even be a billet front. Funny how people spout off BS and don't bother with the actual question at hand. I would not run tci's low buck converter, however I would seriously consider one of their upgraded units.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Sounds like a pretty decent converter to me.

Bridging the gap between our full competition series units and our Super StreetFighter™ converters, the Ultimate StreetFighter™ series of torque converters is designed specifically for extreme street machines.

Features: Furnace-brazed & hand welded fins, cast steel stator, needle bearings, dual bolt pattern, hardened pre-ground pump hub, computer balanced, installation hardware included

Benefits: High torque multiplication, higher RPM launches, lower elapsed times, suited for street/strip applications up to 1200 HP

With heavy-duty front anti-ballooning plate for nitrous applications and built with steel stator.

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

Even my standard SF3000 was silky smooth and gave me 3 years/25k of flawless service - though I did install a Transgo SK with it to eliminate PWM and its danger to the TCC. I upgraded to a Yank SS3600 and saw no increase in performance.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

^^Honestly, I can understand why. One, the Yank with a billet front will be heavier, and two they are probably made with similar parts, so no real advantage either way when it comes to raw numbers. Also, eliminating the PWM is an excellent point that is rarely brought up, and it should be with non-billet front converters because of their small clutch apply area.

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

IIRC, they both weigh in at about 30lbs ... which is an incredible weight saving from the nearly 50lb factory behemoth.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Pay close attention, and you'll see, like I have.....cars with non-billet fronts all else equal tend to 60 ft a tiny bit better. Its weird but its true.

JustAFooL

iTrader: (45)

I ran a TCI Ultimate for 3 years. Not a daily driver but driven extremely hard. Probably had around 6k on it when my tranny blew and took the converter with it. I would have went back with another one but found a deal on a Yank. FWIW, their customer service was great also.

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

If you're on a budget but still want a get converter call ptc. They have a 425$ converter that flat performs. I've had 5 myself.

Jake's Performance

iTrader: (2)

There's a reason the non billet converters 60' harder with all else being the same and it's not weight.

DANOZ28

iTrader: (1)

please change my opinion by posting photos of the tci ultimates internals. i would hate to bash something that didnt deserve it. thx