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HELP choosing new converter...

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Old Jan 2, 2002 | 03:17 PM
  #1  
SAINT WS6's Avatar
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Default HELP choosing new converter...

OK, im running a vig 2600 right now, and it barely feels different than stock. It's already had a stall change, so that is not a choice. I'm upgrading my transmission soon and want to buy a new verter. So far, i've narrowed it down to the Vig 3000, Vig 3200, or Yank SY-3500. I know the Vig's are VERY efficient(from recent posts) and am leaning towards the Vig 3200. I want something that will stall around the 3500 range as driveability is an issue(this is a daily driver too). The ST-3500 is out of the question as I am not going to deal with lockup problems or SES lights. So, which of these would net me the best results? Also, which of these has the higher STR? Thanks! I'm tired of <img src="graemlins/fluffy.gif" border="0" alt="[Fluffy]" /> and need <img src="graemlins/gr_devil.gif" border="0" alt="[devil]" /> .
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Old Jan 2, 2002 | 03:28 PM
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Default Re: HELP choosing new converter...

Actually, Vigilante's are jus the opposite.
Many people tend to say that the Vig. is not as efficient as a Yank.
If you're going to remain a bolt-on car, then I think the Vig. 3200 or ST3500 would be perfect...They are good all around converters.
If you want to get serious with the motor (Heads/Cam, or Bigger), then you may want to look into something around a 4000-4400 stall.
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Old Jan 2, 2002 | 03:32 PM
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Default Re: HELP choosing new converter...

On a ’98 car like yours I doubt you’ll have any issues with codes or locking problems with a ST3500. Actually, the ST3500 sounds like exactly the ‘verter your looking for. The SY3500 is a great street ‘verter, I have it and I love it. No complaints at all, but some want a stronger launch and the ST3500 will give you that. A vig3200 would also give you a strong launch, and would be pretty comparable to a ST3500. I don’t think anything in the vig line up is comparable to a SY3500; it’s a category all it’s own. A lot of people bash it because of it’s “soft” low STR launch, but I’ve done great with it (1.69 60ft, with regular 1.7Xs on DRs), and that low STR makes traction easy.

The SY3500 has a 1.61 STR and it’s the lowest of all the ‘verters you listed.

...and yes, Yanks tend to be more efficient than vigs.

[ January 02, 2002: Message edited by: RPM WS6 ]</p>
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Old Jan 2, 2002 | 03:33 PM
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Default Re: HELP choosing new converter...

LOL...the reason why the ST3500s are setting codes has to do with the tighter slip parameters set on the pcms for '01 and '02 F-Bodies. This is not the fault of the ST3500 per se, a Vig 3200 would have the same problem...you're just not seeing as many Vig converters out as most people have jumped on the Yank bandwagon.

Since you have a '98 model, you shouldn't have any of these issues even if you ran a Pro Thruster 4600. You can get a Vig 3200 if you want (it's a good converter), but don't slam the ST3500. It's quite a bit more efficient (dyno and track proven) than the Vig 3200 and has shown to be its equal in 60' times (even though the Vig really stalls 3800). Both are excellent converters, but don't make the mistake assuming you'd have the same pcm problems with your '98 that others are having with their '01s and '02s.
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Old Jan 2, 2002 | 06:48 PM
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Default Re: HELP choosing new converter...

Sorry if it sounded like I was bashing the ST 3500, I wasn't. Anyway, have there been any reported cases at all of pre-00' issues with the ST-3500? I'd rather have the efficient converter so I guess it's back to the argument ST3500 or SY3500? Is the ST3500 ok for driving in all weather conditions? The car will be getting H/C/I later on, but it will be on street tires around town. This will still be a daily driver. Any new recommends? Thanks guys!
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Old Jan 2, 2002 | 07:13 PM
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Default Re: HELP choosing new converter...

Lucky #7 would also work well I think with Heads/Cam.
Yank makes very good converters, I only wish they offered the "free upgrade" like PI does with the Vig.'s.
ST3500, Vig. 3200 or Vig. Pump #7 3600 would all be good choices. Can't really go wrong with any.
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Old Jan 2, 2002 | 07:48 PM
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Default Re: HELP choosing new converter...

[quote]Originally posted by SAINT WS6:
<strong>
Is the ST3500 ok for driving in all weather conditions? The car will be getting H/C/I later on, but it will be on street tires around town. This will still be a daily driver. Any new recommends? Thanks guys!</strong><hr></blockquote>

You can drive it in snow, no problem.

A SY3500 will be easier to launch on street tires, but both converters will need to be stepped into or you'll go up in smoke. The ST 3500 will rule at the track with some good tires.
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Old Jan 2, 2002 | 10:45 PM
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Default Re: HELP choosing new converter...

Which, SY oe ST, is better from a roll on the street. And is the difference at the track really that much? If it's only a tenth or two, id probably rather get the SY.
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Old Jan 3, 2002 | 07:53 AM
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Default Re: HELP choosing new converter...

I would give a small edge from a roll to the SY. At the track with traction (i.e. drag radials or ET Streets), the ST will produce at least .1 and as much as .2 reduction in time.
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Old Jan 3, 2002 | 08:19 AM
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Default Re: HELP choosing new converter...

The ST3500 will feel tighter in town due to its higher STR over the SY3500. I've had both and loved them both. I give the nod to the ST3500 for its superior track performance and equal performance to the SY3500 from a roll.
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Old Jan 3, 2002 | 01:07 PM
  #11  
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Default Re: HELP choosing new converter...

And one last thing... so there have been no reported cases of lockup problems or SES lights with pre-00' cars with the ST3500? If this is true, I'm going with the ST then.
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Old Jan 4, 2002 | 03:33 PM
  #12  
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Default Re: HELP choosing new converter...

[quote]Originally posted by SAINT WS6:
<strong>And one last thing... so there have been no reported cases of lockup problems or SES lights with pre-00' cars with the ST3500? If this is true, I'm going with the ST then.</strong><hr></blockquote>

If you want to save a few $'s, I have an ST3500 that I'm looking to sell.

4K street miles and ~10 track passes. It took .2 off my 60' times and .5 off my ET's.
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Old Jan 4, 2002 | 05:57 PM
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Default Re: HELP choosing new converter...

from a economics stand point it would be best to get the 2600 you have restalled by pi to 3200.

anyway you go would be better than the 2600 that you have for sure.

steve frank
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Old Jan 5, 2002 | 11:32 AM
  #14  
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Default Re: HELP choosing new converter...

I have the vig3200 on a 98 formula...(no programming)
Best damn mod on the car!!
Steetability is great, shreds my phantoms and nittos
Knocked .5 off my ET
Have never seen a code.
Whatever you go with, you should back it up with a
shiftkit and cooler.

Good luck!
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Old Jan 6, 2002 | 12:20 AM
  #15  
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Default Re: HELP choosing new converter...

I'm having a performance rebuild done on my tranny by a very well respected shop, and I already have the cooler. I'll get tires sooner or later. Funds pending... <img src="graemlins/gr_cry.gif" border="0" alt="[whiner]" />
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