Converter experts, advice please.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 100
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From: San Jose CA
Converter experts, advice please. I've been reading this buletin board, and it appears that some of you know a great deal about torque converters.
I've got a 2002 Z28 vert, mostly stock (!FRA and lid, STB, SFC's, LCA's). It has 2.73 gears, and I do not want to change them out. The car is a daily driver. I do not anticipate racing it at the track. I think I would like to get an after market torque converter, BUT -- I do not want any "codes" and I do not want it to come unlocked while I am cruising. I drove a late model LS1 F body the other day that had an ST3500. I was turned off by the loose feel of it. Didn't like it at all.
Is there a higher stall torque converter I would be happy with, or should I just save myself the money and aggravation and keep the stock one?
I've got a 2002 Z28 vert, mostly stock (!FRA and lid, STB, SFC's, LCA's). It has 2.73 gears, and I do not want to change them out. The car is a daily driver. I do not anticipate racing it at the track. I think I would like to get an after market torque converter, BUT -- I do not want any "codes" and I do not want it to come unlocked while I am cruising. I drove a late model LS1 F body the other day that had an ST3500. I was turned off by the loose feel of it. Didn't like it at all.
Is there a higher stall torque converter I would be happy with, or should I just save myself the money and aggravation and keep the stock one?
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 43
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From: Kingwood, TX
Re: Converter experts, advice please. The Yank Stealth Thruster 3200 drives like stock but gives a good performance boost when you nail the gas. I was also turned off by the looseness of the ST3500 but I love the stealth thruster. It's an 11" converter which is close in size to the stock unit.
Re: Converter experts, advice please. If you're looking to keep the warranty
take a look at SLP 3000 stall, My choice
is Vig. 2800 <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
These are my.02 <img src="graemlins/formula.gif" border="0" alt="[Pontiac]" />
take a look at SLP 3000 stall, My choice
is Vig. 2800 <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
These are my.02 <img src="graemlins/formula.gif" border="0" alt="[Pontiac]" />
Re: Converter experts, advice please. I think you'd be happy with the Yank Stealth Thruster 2800. Its got a 2.1 STR compared to stocks 1.8, 98% effiency rating and will stall close to advertised as compared to "other" 2800 converters. Just remember you may want to go one step looser than you think you can tolorate right now. Most guys get use to the looseness within a week and than want more performance so they have to upgrade. I've never heard anyone complain about being too loose when their goals remain the same, they realize that they could have went a couple steps higher
LAter <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
LAter <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
12 Second Truck Club
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,574
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From: Sacramento, CA
Re: Converter experts, advice please. I would say with the 2.73's he should use something with an STR 2.5 or better.
I had the Yank3000 when I still had 2.73's and I wished I had gotten something with more STR back then, hense my overkill now with the PT-4400. <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">
An ST3200 or a Vig2800 would be a good combo for his gears. It would be nice and tight and the high STR would make up for the low stall. Both should stall at or near 3200rpm. Plus he is less likely to have slippage problems with the PCM than he would with a higher stall or lower STR.
Just my opinion though. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">
I had the Yank3000 when I still had 2.73's and I wished I had gotten something with more STR back then, hense my overkill now with the PT-4400. <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">
An ST3200 or a Vig2800 would be a good combo for his gears. It would be nice and tight and the high STR would make up for the low stall. Both should stall at or near 3200rpm. Plus he is less likely to have slippage problems with the PCM than he would with a higher stall or lower STR.
Just my opinion though. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,080
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From: HP Illinoiz
Re: Converter experts, advice please. 2.73's w/a vig3200
No complaints here!! Whoo Hoo!!
As others have said, You'll get used the loosenes
reeeeell fast (like in about 2 days) and wish you
went with something bigger...
Many...many folks have gone thru this..
Dont waste your time/money with a whimpy 2800..its not worth it...
When I picked up my car after having mine done, I drove it out of the shop thinking "Whoa..this is weird"..I had passing thoughts of 'why did I do this
to my baby!"
By the next day I was used it... and now..I cant image NOT running with a big stall !
Trust the folks that have posted regarding 2800 stalls..
Plus...
Doncha wanna be able to do THIS! <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
No complaints here!! Whoo Hoo!!
As others have said, You'll get used the loosenes
reeeeell fast (like in about 2 days) and wish you
went with something bigger...
Many...many folks have gone thru this..
Dont waste your time/money with a whimpy 2800..its not worth it...
When I picked up my car after having mine done, I drove it out of the shop thinking "Whoa..this is weird"..I had passing thoughts of 'why did I do this
to my baby!"
By the next day I was used it... and now..I cant image NOT running with a big stall !
Trust the folks that have posted regarding 2800 stalls..
Plus...
Doncha wanna be able to do THIS! <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
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Re: Converter experts, advice please. I am also interested in this, as I too have 2.73s.
What do you guys think about a TT2800 vs Y3000 vs vig 2800? Looseness, driveability, etc?
Thanks,
What do you guys think about a TT2800 vs Y3000 vs vig 2800? Looseness, driveability, etc?
Thanks,
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Verdad Gallardo 12 Second Truck Club
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,574
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From: Sacramento, CA
Re: Converter experts, advice please. I should have specified I when I said ST3200 I didnt mean the stealth thruster, I meant a super thruster with a 2.5 str or better.
I agree 100% with Ragtop99. He is using the same logic I originally posted. High STR Low stall.
But I am not sure I would call a Vig2800 wimpy, considering it stalls closer to 3200 and has put 2 of my friends in the 12.10 range with minimal bolts ons.
I agree 100% with Ragtop99. He is using the same logic I originally posted. High STR Low stall.
But I am not sure I would call a Vig2800 wimpy, considering it stalls closer to 3200 and has put 2 of my friends in the 12.10 range with minimal bolts ons.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 303
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From: Chicagoland Area
Re: Converter experts, advice please. [quote]Originally posted by F8LPONY:
<strong>
But I am not sure I would call a Vig2800 wimpy, considering it stalls closer to 3200 and has put 2 of my friends in the 12.10 range with minimal bolts ons.</strong><hr></blockquote>
It is considered wimpy on this board because its not a Yank.
<strong>
But I am not sure I would call a Vig2800 wimpy, considering it stalls closer to 3200 and has put 2 of my friends in the 12.10 range with minimal bolts ons.</strong><hr></blockquote>
It is considered wimpy on this board because its not a Yank.
Re: Converter experts, advice please. [quote]Originally posted by 99BlueZ28:
<strong>
It is considered wimpy on this board because its not a Yank.</strong><hr></blockquote>
naaa...its wimpy because it is <img src="graemlins/gr_judge.gif" border="0" alt="[judgement]" /> <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
Still a good converter though. <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">
F8LPony: I would run a SuperThruster 3200 with 2.73s no problem. But for this guy, if the ST3500 was way too loose, a 3200 is going to be too much stall. The TT3000 is really a good converter for 2.73 gears; only a touch of looseness and enough gain to really wake the car up.
<strong>
It is considered wimpy on this board because its not a Yank.</strong><hr></blockquote>
naaa...its wimpy because it is <img src="graemlins/gr_judge.gif" border="0" alt="[judgement]" /> <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
Still a good converter though. <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">
F8LPony: I would run a SuperThruster 3200 with 2.73s no problem. But for this guy, if the ST3500 was way too loose, a 3200 is going to be too much stall. The TT3000 is really a good converter for 2.73 gears; only a touch of looseness and enough gain to really wake the car up.
12 Second Truck Club
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,574
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From: Sacramento, CA
Re: Converter experts, advice please. I agree with ya bro. I forgot that Yank made one that small with a 3.0 str. That would rock for this guys needs. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">
Re: Converter experts, advice please. The converter you want is a Yank TT2800 or TT3000. Both can come with the 3.0 STR. If the ST3500 was way too loose, then go with the TT2800. The TT3000 will be only a little looser the TT2800, but offers better performance. both will be noticably tighter then the ST3500.
The TT2800 offers better overall performance than the Stealth Thruster 2800 and will beat a Stealth Thruster 3200 from a roll. Those converters are primarily for the truck market.
BTW, I had the first TT2800 and it feels very close to stock, but will definitely get the car moving if you punch it. Perfect for 2.73 gears.
The TT2800 offers better overall performance than the Stealth Thruster 2800 and will beat a Stealth Thruster 3200 from a roll. Those converters are primarily for the truck market.
BTW, I had the first TT2800 and it feels very close to stock, but will definitely get the car moving if you punch it. Perfect for 2.73 gears.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland Area
Re: Converter experts, advice please. [quote]Originally posted by F8LPONY:
<strong>Is that sarcasm? <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0"> </strong><hr></blockquote>
Maybe just a tad. <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0"> I'm one of the last "defenders of the vig" so I gotta take a cheap shot here and there. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
<strong>Is that sarcasm? <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0"> </strong><hr></blockquote>
Maybe just a tad. <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0"> I'm one of the last "defenders of the vig" so I gotta take a cheap shot here and there. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
12 Second Truck Club
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,574
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From: Sacramento, CA
Re: Converter experts, advice please. Hahaha
I love my Yanks through and through but when I see my bud puttin down some kick butt times with the WIMPY lil Vig2800 I have to stand up and take notice. LOL
I love my Yanks through and through but when I see my bud puttin down some kick butt times with the WIMPY lil Vig2800 I have to stand up and take notice. LOL
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: San Jose CA
Re: Converter experts, advice please. Folks, I appreciate all the replies. But no one is even mentioning a couple of my main requirements: I don't want SES codes, and I don't want the converter to unlock when cruising. I want the thing to behave politely. I drove a Yank ST3500 the other day and it threw a code. So that one is right out.
Re: Converter experts, advice please. I called Mike at Yank, and he said, "The Stealth Thruster 2800 or 3200 are great choices." I am thinking mor of the torque thrusters myself.
<img src="images/icons/confused.gif" border="0">
<img src="images/icons/confused.gif" border="0">
Re: Converter experts, advice please. The ST 3500 is 9" converter. It does not have lock-up problems and the codes mainly occur in the 2001s due to torque management.
The TT2800 and TT3000 rarely have issues because are 10" converters and lower stall than the ST 3500.
No one can guarantee you that an aftermarket converter will not have issues. The TT's are probably the least likely to have issues and still offer good performance.
The SLP 2600 also has a very low level of issues, but offers less performance. It will help you off the line, but will not cure the 1-2 upshift dead spot.
The TT2800 and TT3000 rarely have issues because are 10" converters and lower stall than the ST 3500.
No one can guarantee you that an aftermarket converter will not have issues. The TT's are probably the least likely to have issues and still offer good performance.
The SLP 2600 also has a very low level of issues, but offers less performance. It will help you off the line, but will not cure the 1-2 upshift dead spot.