I'm looking to purchase a converter this month and was trying to decide what to get.My car is my daily driver so the new TC has to be streetable but I would like to get as much improvement at the track as possible.From the posts I had read in the past I was leaning toward the Yank ST3500 but since they discontinued that one I'm uncertain as to what I should get.What would you suggest? BTW I'm also considering a gear change to 3.42s and LT headers soon.All suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.
p.s. why exactly did yank discontinue the ST3500, it seemed to be a very popular choice?

 

Well maybe the stocker is the best perfoming converter out there <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /> .

Come on guys, I'm new to performance moding, so give me some suggestions. TIA.

 

i'm very happy with my Vig 3200. It really brought the car to life, and not too loose. Invest in some DR's because you'll be <img border="0" alt="[Burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" />

Sam

 

Vig 3200 will work if you will run nittos at the track. If you are staying with street tires, I'd do the SY3500 although it may be a bit loose with 2.73s.

The ST 3500 and other non race / non-specialty converters were discontinued for the LS1 F-body, but are available for vettes.

 

Thanks for the replies.Is the Vig3600 too much for a daily driver? I was also wondering what the STR is on the Vig3200 and Vig3600?

 

i have a vig 3200, bu ti will upgrade to a 3600 in the fuftrue, go ahead and get the 3600, it is well worth it plus the 3600 is a little better from a punch

 

I have a Vig3600 and drive it daily. Yeah, compared to stock it is loose feeling, but you'll get used to it, especially with a tame exhaust. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> The rpms go upto about 2000-2500 when taking off from alight normally. In traffic, I can't even tell, I only use 1000 rpms to move along. My gas mileage hasn't been affected (I drive alot on the highway though). I believe the STR on the Vig3200 is 2.17, I have no idea on the Vig3600.

If you are dead set on an ST3500, look in the classifieds. Some people upgrade to other converter models. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> That's how I found mine. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

 

I'd go with the TCI 3500 Super Street Fighter (part # 242932). It has similar performance characteristics as the Vig 3200 and the ST 3500. 2.73 cars pick up a bunch of ET with just this converter. Some guys even pick up a full second, but the norm is more like .6-.8 secs. I would install the 3.42s as well. They would compliment this converter nicely.

As far as why Yank discontinued the ST3500, some people reported having clutch chatter problems with that converter.

You'll be surprised at the difference that the correct converter makes.
Take Care,
Kevin

 

Kevin:

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Thanks alot for the replies. Looks like I'm favoring the Vig3600 and 3.42 gear. What kinda e.t. gain should I expect in the 1/8 mile?

 

I don't know about 1/8 miles times, but I dropped .88 seconds (with the use of ET Streets) on the 1/4 mile. I am sure I could have done better though, as I feel I wasn't really pushing it. This was done on my first track visit with the converter. See my sig for the time and weather condition. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

<small>[ September 17, 2002, 11:14 PM: Message edited by: MRZ28HO ]</small>

 

go with a midwest verter 445.00 shipped and it is an awsome piece i would tell you where to get one but they are not sponsers of this board. and they also give a free restall and 2yr warr. i love mine. and it left me w/some $$ for the new cam <img border="0" alt="[Fluffy]" title="" src="graemlins/fluffy.gif" />

 

The TCI SSF 3500 with 3.42 gears is what I previously had and I absolutely loved it! Mileage was hardly affected and it gave me almost 7 tenths in the 1/8 mile with high 1.6 60 ft times.

topfig
MGySgt USMC

<small>[ September 20, 2002, 06:16 PM: Message edited by: topfig1 ]</small>

 

I too am happy with my TCI 3500. I dropped 3.5 tenths off the best the car ever ran before the converter and 6-7 tenths of what it's been running this year with the converter change and Hoosier QTPs. I am getting 1.66-1.68 60 foot times with rather mild car.

 

I installed a TCI SSF3500 in my Son's 2002 WS6 along with a 3.42 gear and a 224/224 @114LSA cam. The converter makes the whole setup an AWESOME combination.

The converter has plenty of "hook" under part throttle acceleration and is still loose enough to allow the 224 cam to idle well. From a roll, the car is now unbelievable. There is no doubt in my mind that the TCI SSF3500 gives the best "bang for the buck" of any street/strip converter.