Ok after reading just about every thread on this topic I could find, I think I have finally found the verter that meets all my needs - please take a look at my theory:

Things to Consider:

1. Saving for a house (need low priced verter)
2. I have 3.73s
3. I suck at launching the car already with just bolt-ons
4. I drive the car daily
5. I don't go to the track at all
6. Petrified of looseness

Considering all these factors, I have decided on the TCI SSF 3500 with a 2.2 STR (if such a converter exists). I really only wanted 3000 but after reading a million threads, I finally get it - you go HIGHER than what you think you can handle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone think there is a better choice for my needs?

 

I think 3.23 or 3.42 gears would be better with that converter. Only saying that because it seemed a friend of ours went to 3.73 gears and it hurt their track times, but since you don't go to the track at all I guess it doesn't matter.

 

That would work.
The ideal converter would be to find a used SY 3500. The 1.6 STR makes it easy to launch. 3.73s remove some of the looseness.

If you haven't driven a car with a converter, do it. I'm not sure why you're petrified about looseness. If you know you hate it, a 3200/3300 witha 2.0 STR would be a better choice.

 

If you dont race the car a 2.2 str is going to be too high IMO. I also would say that if you dont go to the track at all and want good performance on the street then you might want to go with something like a Vig 2800 (since it actually flashes to 3200). That converter is very effiecent. You should be able to pick up a used Vig for about 4-500. Oh and dont worry about loosenes... it really isnt that bad. My 4k is VERY driveable

 

You defined your objective in line one. Get the house. The converter does not serve your objective, it will just help wreck the transmission faster. You're worried about the results. You drive the car every day. The point is that installing the converter is a financial commitment if you want to keep the car daily drivable. Downtime, labor, shipping if stall speed is wrong, fuel economy. Get the house.

 

TCI 3500 will make you happy. I have a PT4000 with a 2.8 STR and drive it daily. My tranny is built with a cooler and i have no issues. Mine is not very loose. Higher STR = less looseness.

FYI: http://www.ls2.com/forums/showthread...hreadid=117503

 

thanks for the help guys - yes I've heard a lot of good things about the SY3500 for guys like me that don't want to sacrifice streetability and are basically chickens.

I think I'm going to ask TCI to make me a 3200 with 1.8 STR - I should be able to launch that on street tires!

 

im really happy with my tci3000 2.2 veter.
its not loose at all if you ask me.

 

last chance - anyone want to talk me out of this for a reason I haven't thought of?

I'm thinking from my research I should hardly notice the difference in streetability with a mild verter and 3.73s.....

 

You should also include a shift kit into your budget of some sort. TCI makes one for around $100. That is the shift kit i used to use with my Vigi 2800 and i loved it.