Shift Extension
When buying a stall converter with the correct shift extension, you want it to match the current rpm that you fall to after a shift. Is this wrong?
ex. Shift, 5669rpm
rpm drops to: 3229rpm
when picking a new tq converter, i would want a shift extension of 3229?
The way, I had always seen it, was. Dyno your motor, and pick the shift extension by the torque curve.
Someone guide me, please. Perhaps, explain shift extensions while your at it

Predator answered some of my questions (thank you), but I'm still a bit confused.
Thanks guys,
Kyle.
Examples:
My old converter - Yank Y3200 shifted at 6300 rpms, shift extension was 4200 rpms.
My new converter - TCI 3800 shifts at 6500 rpms, shift extension is 5150 rpms.
So when I run the quarter mile the only time the motor see less than 5150 rpms is from launch to the 1-2 shift (before the 1/8 mi), after that it's in the sweeter part of the powerband for most of the run which results in a better ET. This compared to a stock converter which spends a fair amount of the same run in the lower part of the powerband catching up.
I'm no expert, but these are obervations I've made over time based on my car's characteristics. I hope this helps.
cliff notes: higher shift extension = stronger pulling car/truck and better ET.
Last edited by BLKTA; Oct 15, 2004 at 06:15 PM.
thats what i thought, but i was a bit confused after some reading earlier.
anyways-
is there a method to figuring out the exact shift extension you will need given your power band?
Therefore get the stall you need, at an acceptable looseness, with the most extension available given those criteria. If racing only from a roll, pick the most extension you can get at an acceptable looseness.

