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TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

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Old 09-03-2002, 07:47 PM
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Default TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

Had my LS1 TCI Streetfighter converter cut open after it lunched the front pump by a converter shop that builds verters for 8 sec cars , they cant beleive how TCI can sell this junk . Stay away from it .

I may as well have gone to the junkyard and bought a Cadillac converter and welded an ls1 snout on in the vice myself <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> it would have been straighter and the internals would be the same <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

Complete absolute JUNK !!!! <img border="0" alt="[Fluffy]" title="" src="graemlins/fluffy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Fluffy]" title="" src="graemlins/fluffy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[jester]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_jest.gif" />

And thats the streetfighter , GOD only knows what their saturday night specials are like <img border="0" alt="[jester]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_jest.gif" /> hahahahaha !!
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Old 09-03-2002, 08:21 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

Wow, sorry to hear that. I know that there are more TCs available now than there was a 'couple years ago, but at the time I took the advice of LS1 "oldtimers" and went with what was "proven" to be reliable. One day you will look back on this and laugh. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />
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Old 09-03-2002, 08:25 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

Any facts on how it's made/what the materials are in that particular converter clutchwise? i.e., paper, kevlar, etc. ?
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Old 09-03-2002, 08:57 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

I will have to ask the converter guy for sure but so far what I know is , it uses an alloy clutch plate that is porous to trans fluid , and my converter had done only 7k and the clutch material was falling off . ( not a tranny issue either , my stock converter locks up just fine ) Im pretty sure he told me it is a kevlar material TCI used , and he said that material they used cant be bonded reliably to a used alloy plate , only steel .

On top of that it was spun up on the machine to check for trueness when spinning , the snout runout was too much ! No excuse for that one , the snout was welded on crooked and too short , also a little undersized with a rough finish .

The fins in the top cover arent brazed either .

I wouldnt go near TCI products again .

Utter JUNK ! <img border="0" alt="[guns]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_guns.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[guns]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_guns.gif" /> bring it on .

<small>[ September 04, 2002, 02:34 AM: Message edited by: r8ls1 ]</small>
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Old 09-03-2002, 09:20 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

I tried to tell y'all,...really I did.

It is a stock verter, with just a VERY little work done to it.

Junk, JUNK, JUNK.

Most times you get what you pay for in life, in this case (TCI) you get less.

Sorry for your misfortune. Better luck with your next verter.
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Old 09-03-2002, 09:50 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Raughammer:
<strong>I tried to tell y'all,...really I did.

It is a stock verter, with just a VERY little work done to it.

Junk, JUNK, JUNK.

Most times you get what you pay for in life, in this case (TCI) you get less.

Sorry for your misfortune. Better luck with your next verter.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">DITTO... sorry to hear man, but you get what you pay for from them. Ive seem guys get those verters and ditch them 2 weeks after. But granted some like them still.

yank and vig are the top of the list. You cant go wrong with either <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

its few stang guys around here that told me they were getting awesome verters for there cars. I asked what did they get? they replied TCI blah blah..

i just laughed <img border="0" alt="[jester]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_jest.gif" />

seriously though man.. sorry to here.. get a yank or vig and you will be HAPPY!
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Old 09-04-2002, 09:41 AM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

I still have no complaints with mine. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

Maybe I just got a good one. Year and a half and no probs. Got my stock one back in cuz I'm waiting to get a 3800.

Later, Stu
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Old 09-04-2002, 06:50 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

Wow, just found a great website exposing TCI vs. Yank. Check it out: http://xs-fx.com/raughammer/TCI%20ex...rs_exposed.htm

Good detective work JC!
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Old 09-04-2002, 06:56 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Patrick G:
<strong>Wow, just found a great website exposing TCI vs. Yank. Check it out: http://xs-fx.com/raughammer/TCI%20ex...rs_exposed.htm

Good detective work JC!</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">That just about says it all I think.
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Old 09-04-2002, 10:55 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

I have had a Yank ST-3500 and currently have a PT-4400 in my '01 A4 Z28. I have nothing but the highest regard for Yank converters. TCI would be the LAST converter I would buy. Nice research Raughammer!
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Old 09-06-2002, 11:16 AM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

Proud to be a Yank man! <img border="0" alt="[Fluffy]" title="" src="graemlins/fluffy.gif" />
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Old 09-06-2002, 11:27 AM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

My husband and I are thrilled with our TCI Street Fighter 3500 converter.

Feel free to search LS1Tech.com for my nightmare with a Yank ST3500 converter and what happened to me and a hundred or so other poor ST3500 owners when their converters crapped out at 7000 miles or so, junking up the transmission and resulting in pump-back rebuilds out of our own pockets, not to mention being stuck with a $700 boat anchor.

After testing both the Kevlar and Carbon Fiber clutch linings for TCI last year, we now have several TCI converters in our and our friends' cars and not a single problem out of any of them. They perform great and the one we had a problem with last year (setting a trans slip code), TCI replaced, no questions asked.

Can't wait to install our TCI 4400!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

<small>[ September 06, 2002, 11:47 AM: Message edited by: Kristi ]</small>
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Old 09-06-2002, 01:27 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

Kristi,
Thanks for the kind words. I hope ya'll get into the 1.5s with the 4400 converter in your '02. Check out my comments in the TCI Exposed thread.

https://ls1tech.com/ubb/ultimatebb.p...c;f=2;t=004054

Take Care,
Kevin
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Old 09-06-2002, 02:12 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Kevin Winstead:
<strong>Kristi,
Thanks for the kind words. I hope ya'll get into the 1.5s with the 4400 converter in your '02. Check out my comments in the TCI Exposed thread.

https://ls1tech.com/ubb/ultimatebb.p...c;f=2;t=004054

Take Care,
Kevin</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">So you post in this thread, yet make no comments about the problems with the converter that started this thread.
<img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />
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Old 09-06-2002, 03:56 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

r8ls1,
What did you do when your converter tore up? Did you contact TCI and let them know about the problem or did you immediately come on here and start raving like a madman? If you actually contacted them and gave them an opportunity to correct the problem, please tell us what happened. No one I've talked to has had a bit of trouble with TCI's customer service.

Take care <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
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Old 09-06-2002, 04:05 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

well i have a good friend that works for tci in mississippi and he told me do not buy a tci torque converter thats why i stuck with my vigalante and never had any problems with them.
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Old 09-06-2002, 04:17 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

2xLS1,
I Emailed r8ls1, it's in his lap now. If the converter wiped out his trans pump, I'll be glad to take care of him.
Kevin
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Old 09-06-2002, 04:36 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

When I called with my converter problem the guys a TCI said no problem send it back we will take care of you,they did, sent me another converter no problem at all.

<small>[ September 06, 2002, 04:40 PM: Message edited by: JohnPayne ]</small>
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Old 09-06-2002, 06:17 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

R8LS1.. I definately think it`s your line pressure, no wait maybe the Maf ends.. no? must be your trans.. no? then most likely tunning.. maybe cat-back, etc..etc..

Sounds to me like TCI has some good customer service and will take care of you unlike the excuses you`d get from you know who, rhimes with "****"

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Old 09-06-2002, 06:32 PM
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Default Re: TCI LS1 CONVERTER = TOTAL JUNK !!

Is our bias showing?

Absolutely.

Yank has been sponsoring sites like ours for YEARS.

I am a former PI3600 guy who went to a Yank TP4400.

To me Yank was the upstart firm with the BS claims.

But I would lock up my PI3600 and see gains of 2-3mph. So when folks said a Yank would get me the mph back I was dang I'll try it.

My best with my 346ci was a 11.5@116mph.

We could be more objective regarding TCI, or maybe Art Carr, but I think it's fair to say we look at what the majority of the fast cars are running and go from there. For sure a bunch of us did PI's back when Brooke had his 2-3 PI's... But the looseness on the big end was also gnarly on the highway.

Yank has been there since the very beginning of LS1/LS6 performance coming up with custom stall sizes and new different size converters as well as custom products like their tranny controller and the new crossmember they have. Mike Senia has been darn cool with following the exploits of his customers.

He told me a month ago when things got really big that the biggest bummer for him was not being able to know everyone on a first name basis.

Gaining our confidence is not just about a few posts, it's also about staying power and support.

Sure folks like Yank have gone from 2-3 person operations to much bigger, and along the way they didn't return about a thousand phone calls, but the stuff they sell in general has been top notch.
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