Why don't more people race with the converter locked?
12-24-2005, 01:58 AM
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Why don't more people race with the converter locked? I know this obviously allows for no slipping...and no power wasted...why don't you hear of more people racing with the converter locked up?
12-24-2005, 08:29 AM
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Originally Posted by 1999Z28
I know this obviously allows for no slipping...and no power wasted...why don't you hear of more people racing with the converter locked up?
I agree but locking the converter at WOT will more than likely take you out of your power band.
With my 4000 stall my engine RPM stays between 5300 after a shift to 6400 just before the shift. This is also where my combo makes the most power. If the converter were locked the RPM might be at 4300 after each shift where the engine might be making 50 less HP. Any HP lost to slippage will be made up by turning more RPM and being in my power band.
John
12-25-2005, 08:31 AM
#3
...plus it is pretty damn hard on the lock up clutch and unless there is a lot of slippage (i.e. really bad efficency) most people do not gain much ET, if any.
Nitrous users can be an exception as nitrous can give a huge boost in tq in the 4000 - 5000 rpm band.
Nitrous users can be an exception as nitrous can give a huge boost in tq in the 4000 - 5000 rpm band.
12-25-2005, 01:55 PM
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Some converters will do nothing but howl if you try to
apply the clutch at full power. You probably need one
built specially, if you're talking small diameter aftermarket
converter.
The stock converters and ones of similar top end efficiency
are only slipping 3% or so, not a big improvement and a
bad trade, if the clutch slips under power; the heat is then
put to the clutch where cooling is poor and bed things like
glazing can happen, rather than into fluid.
If it makes the difference between trapping in top of 3rd
vs bottom of 4th, then it might be worthwhile. Most of us
have plenty of MPH left in 3rd by the end of the 1/4.
apply the clutch at full power. You probably need one
built specially, if you're talking small diameter aftermarket
converter.
The stock converters and ones of similar top end efficiency
are only slipping 3% or so, not a big improvement and a
bad trade, if the clutch slips under power; the heat is then
put to the clutch where cooling is poor and bed things like
glazing can happen, rather than into fluid.
If it makes the difference between trapping in top of 3rd
vs bottom of 4th, then it might be worthwhile. Most of us
have plenty of MPH left in 3rd by the end of the 1/4.
