I have a strange torque converter question
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From: Mississauga, Ontario
I have a strange torque converter question Is it possible to buy a torque converter that has the same stall speed as stock but is lighter and with a higher STR? I'm just wondering what kind of performance gain this would give if indeed they had something like this? That way if you had a car that you drive in rush hour a lot, and didn't want a loose converter, you could still get the benefit of more power to the wheels. Am I making sense?
<small>[ October 19, 2002, 04:40 AM: Message edited by: Patman ]</small>
<small>[ October 19, 2002, 04:40 AM: Message edited by: Patman ]</small>
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From: Upstate NY
Re: I have a strange torque converter question </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Patman:
<strong>Is it possible to buy a torque converter that has the same stall speed as stock but is lighter and with a higher STR? I'm just wondering what kind of performance gain this would give if indeed they had something like this? That way if you had a car that you drive in rush hour a lot, and didn't want a loose converter, you could still get the benefit of more power to the wheels. Am I making sense?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Maybe. A smaller diameter converter would have less inertia of course. You'll find them stock on lower output 4 and 6-cyl. engines. The problem is that the V8 torque will increase their stall speed and they won't be quite as efficient at higher rpm as a larger dia. TC. There's no free lunch...
Long ago (1960's) GM used a variable pitch stator (SwitchPitch) to give more multiplication at start up and very good efficiency at cruise. It worked much like a variable pitch prop on an airplane. This was before 4-sp OD trans and lockup converters, and it was very effective. There were some mechanical problems which prompted the moniker "Switch Pitch Bitch" among some folks.
I still think the idea has merit, but I don't think any of the TC companies are working on it.
Are they?
<strong>Is it possible to buy a torque converter that has the same stall speed as stock but is lighter and with a higher STR? I'm just wondering what kind of performance gain this would give if indeed they had something like this? That way if you had a car that you drive in rush hour a lot, and didn't want a loose converter, you could still get the benefit of more power to the wheels. Am I making sense?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Maybe. A smaller diameter converter would have less inertia of course. You'll find them stock on lower output 4 and 6-cyl. engines. The problem is that the V8 torque will increase their stall speed and they won't be quite as efficient at higher rpm as a larger dia. TC. There's no free lunch...
Long ago (1960's) GM used a variable pitch stator (SwitchPitch) to give more multiplication at start up and very good efficiency at cruise. It worked much like a variable pitch prop on an airplane. This was before 4-sp OD trans and lockup converters, and it was very effective. There were some mechanical problems which prompted the moniker "Switch Pitch Bitch" among some folks.
I still think the idea has merit, but I don't think any of the TC companies are working on it.
Are they?
Thread Starter
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From: Mississauga, Ontario
Re: I have a strange torque converter question For me, the biggest thing that is stopping me from getting a converter is the fact that I drive in so much rush hour traffic. I don't want to have to give it more throttle to get it moving, I'll find that annoying real quick. I enjoy just being able to lightly touch the gas and get that feeling of instant motion.
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Re: I have a strange torque converter question Patman,
Just drive someone else's car with a small convertor. You will be very surprised at how driveable the convertors are. My Yank isn't bad, but I know its not for everyone. A smaller Vigilante would be awesome for you!
Just drive someone else's car with a small convertor. You will be very surprised at how driveable the convertors are. My Yank isn't bad, but I know its not for everyone. A smaller Vigilante would be awesome for you!
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From: Mississauga, Ontario
Re: I have a strange torque converter question Even a mild converter wouldn't be for me. If anything I want even more throttle response than I have now! Which is why I'd be a perfect candidate for a nice 383 or 396 stroker, but that's another thread in another section. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Re: I have a strange torque converter question Patman, there's a converter that actually feel like what you're looking for. It's the Pro Yank 3400. It is a 258mm converter so it's smaller and lighter than the 300mm stocker, but it has an incredibly high stall torque ratio and short shift extension making it incredibly driveable. This is the converter GM should have installed from the factory. I put one in my 2000 WS6 and the car was TRANSFORMED. I loved the car with that converter. It's too tight for most hard core street/strip guys, but it's just the ticket for heavy duty stop and go traffic.
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2013 Corvette Grand Sport A6 LME forged 416, Greg Good ported TFS 255 LS3 heads, 222/242 .629"/.604" 121LSA Pat G blower cam, ARH 1 7/8" headers, ESC Novi 1500 Supercharger w/8 rib direct drive conversion, 747rwhp/709rwtq on 93 octane, 801rwhp/735rwtq on race fuel, 10.1 @ 147.25mph 1/4 mile, 174.7mph Half Mile.
2016 Corvette Z51 M7 Magnuson Heartbeat 2300 supercharger, TSP LT headers, Pat G tuned, 667rwhp, 662rwtq, 191mph TX Mile.
2009.5 Pontiac G8 GT 6.0L, A6, AFR 230v2 heads. 506rwhp/442rwtq. 11.413 @ 121.29mph 1/4 mile, 168.7mph TX Mile
2000 Pewter Ram Air Trans Am M6 heads/cam 508 rwhp/445 rwtq SAE, 183.092 TX Mile
2022 Cadillac Escalade 6.2L A10 S&B CAI, Corsa catback.
2023 Corvette 3LT Z51 soon to be modified.
Custom LSX tuning in person or via email press here.
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From: Mississauga, Ontario
Re: I have a strange torque converter question The problem with a converter like that in an LT1 car like mine is that mine is an OBD-1 car, which means that a stall higher than about 2800 to 3000 can have a lot of problems (it won't shift at WOT in many cases) Which is why if a 94-95 LT1 A4 owner wants a higher stall than this, they first need to convert to OBD-2.
<small>[ October 20, 2002, 06:38 PM: Message edited by: Patman ]</small>
<small>[ October 20, 2002, 06:38 PM: Message edited by: Patman ]</small>
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Re: I have a strange torque converter question Got a solution for you. Have Yank use the pump that's in the Super Yank 3500 with the super aggressive stator in the Pro Yank 3400 and you'll have a converter that stalls close to 2900 rpms...just what you're looking for. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
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2013 Corvette Grand Sport A6 LME forged 416, Greg Good ported TFS 255 LS3 heads, 222/242 .629"/.604" 121LSA Pat G blower cam, ARH 1 7/8" headers, ESC Novi 1500 Supercharger w/8 rib direct drive conversion, 747rwhp/709rwtq on 93 octane, 801rwhp/735rwtq on race fuel, 10.1 @ 147.25mph 1/4 mile, 174.7mph Half Mile.
2016 Corvette Z51 M7 Magnuson Heartbeat 2300 supercharger, TSP LT headers, Pat G tuned, 667rwhp, 662rwtq, 191mph TX Mile.
2009.5 Pontiac G8 GT 6.0L, A6, AFR 230v2 heads. 506rwhp/442rwtq. 11.413 @ 121.29mph 1/4 mile, 168.7mph TX Mile
2000 Pewter Ram Air Trans Am M6 heads/cam 508 rwhp/445 rwtq SAE, 183.092 TX Mile
2022 Cadillac Escalade 6.2L A10 S&B CAI, Corsa catback.
2023 Corvette 3LT Z51 soon to be modified.
Custom LSX tuning in person or via email press here.
2013 Corvette Grand Sport A6 LME forged 416, Greg Good ported TFS 255 LS3 heads, 222/242 .629"/.604" 121LSA Pat G blower cam, ARH 1 7/8" headers, ESC Novi 1500 Supercharger w/8 rib direct drive conversion, 747rwhp/709rwtq on 93 octane, 801rwhp/735rwtq on race fuel, 10.1 @ 147.25mph 1/4 mile, 174.7mph Half Mile.
2016 Corvette Z51 M7 Magnuson Heartbeat 2300 supercharger, TSP LT headers, Pat G tuned, 667rwhp, 662rwtq, 191mph TX Mile.
2009.5 Pontiac G8 GT 6.0L, A6, AFR 230v2 heads. 506rwhp/442rwtq. 11.413 @ 121.29mph 1/4 mile, 168.7mph TX Mile
2000 Pewter Ram Air Trans Am M6 heads/cam 508 rwhp/445 rwtq SAE, 183.092 TX Mile
2022 Cadillac Escalade 6.2L A10 S&B CAI, Corsa catback.
2023 Corvette 3LT Z51 soon to be modified.
Custom LSX tuning in person or via email press here.
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Re: I have a strange torque converter question A much simplier solution: Buy a Yank TT2800 3.0
It was the first converter I had and it was really tight. It should still be available for the LT1 and is not as pricey as the PYE line. Yank could even build it as a 2600 if you're a real pansey <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_tounge.gif" />
It was the first converter I had and it was really tight. It should still be available for the LT1 and is not as pricey as the PYE line. Yank could even build it as a 2600 if you're a real pansey <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_tounge.gif" />
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From: Aurora Il
Re: I have a strange torque converter question I went from a 6 speed (tightest converter you can get lol) to a slushmatic and was pretty dipressed. I also thought like you, didn`t want more "slush". I could kick myself in the *** now, I should have gotten a converter from day one, Like Patrick sais.. it "TRANSFORMS" the car.
Get a Vig. 2800 or one of the Yanks and a shift kit,you won`t be sorry. I mean how much traffic can there really be in Canada? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> Besides I like to just take my foot of the gas in stop and go traffic and sometimes it inches forward or just sits.. then just a blip of the gas and it goes, it`s not like you have to give it 2000rpms to get it to move, not at all.
The Vig.3200 has made stop-and-go better if anything.
just my .02
Get a Vig. 2800 or one of the Yanks and a shift kit,you won`t be sorry. I mean how much traffic can there really be in Canada? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> Besides I like to just take my foot of the gas in stop and go traffic and sometimes it inches forward or just sits.. then just a blip of the gas and it goes, it`s not like you have to give it 2000rpms to get it to move, not at all.
The Vig.3200 has made stop-and-go better if anything.
just my .02
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From: Mississauga, Ontario
Re: I have a strange torque converter question You'd be surprised at how bad traffic is up here in Toronto. I have only a 25 mile drive to work, but there have been days where it has taken me 90min to get there! On average it takes me close to an hour. I'd also be worried that a loose converter could cause the trans fluid temp to be too hot in this type of driving.
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From: Sugarland , TX
Re: I have a strange torque converter question man i was int he same boat as you. except i have a smaller motor 3.8v6. i drive this car in traffic everyday and thought well crap this is going to suck but the open road will be worth it. well after getting the converter (vigilante 3500) i can tell you that i love the stall. ive auto tapped the car and the trans temps are just fine, always below 190 so far and the car drives BETTER than before. throttle response is awesome and the car feels like a beast off the line..its amazing, the added shift extension is awesome also.
i have no regrets with the converter other than messing up the install.
converters rule <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
i have no regrets with the converter other than messing up the install.
converters rule <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
Re: I have a strange torque converter question 19K B&M Supercooler will take care of the heat. You can add a deep pan if you ride the converter the entire 25 miles during the summer and use a high T-Stat temp.
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From: Chicagoland Area
Re: I have a strange torque converter question OK Patman I have a solution for you. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> It goes like this. Fill up the tank. Drive to Chicago. We take the Vig2800 out of my car and put the stocker back in. We then go to put the Vig in your car but realize you have an LT1 and it won't work. We put the Vig back in my car go out and get drunk. Sound like a plan?
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From: Aurora Il
Re: I have a strange torque converter question I have a 24K B&M cooler, a deep pan and a trans temp gauge and even on the hottest of days in Chicago in stop and go traffic, A/C on full blast, towing a waverunner, the temp has never gone higher than 200*
Common, are we making any progress in talking you into a converter with at least 2800 stall ????
<img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[devil]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_devil.gif" />
Common, are we making any progress in talking you into a converter with at least 2800 stall ????
<img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[devil]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_devil.gif" />
Re: I have a strange torque converter question </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Superman:
<strong>I have a 24K B&M cooler, a deep pan and a trans temp gauge and even on the hottest of days in Chicago in stop and go traffic, A/C on full blast, towing a waverunner, the temp has never gone higher than 200*
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Running the A/C can actually help reduce tranny temps b/c the fans are running and pull air through the tranny cooler if it is mounted on the condensor.
<strong>I have a 24K B&M cooler, a deep pan and a trans temp gauge and even on the hottest of days in Chicago in stop and go traffic, A/C on full blast, towing a waverunner, the temp has never gone higher than 200*
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Running the A/C can actually help reduce tranny temps b/c the fans are running and pull air through the tranny cooler if it is mounted on the condensor.
Re: I have a strange torque converter question Pat I'd look into a Vig 2800 or a Yank equivalent.
Rpms won't be much higher than stock so you won't burn up the tranny.
I have a buddy who has gone mid 12's with an LT1 and PI2800 email me if you want his contact info... stock motor and all.
Run a 19000 GVW cooler and if you are really paranoid install a tranny temp gauge.
Rpms won't be much higher than stock so you won't burn up the tranny.
I have a buddy who has gone mid 12's with an LT1 and PI2800 email me if you want his contact info... stock motor and all.
Run a 19000 GVW cooler and if you are really paranoid install a tranny temp gauge.
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From: Aurora Il
Re: I have a strange torque converter question </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Ragtop 99:
<strong> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Superman:
<strong>I have a 24K B&M cooler, a deep pan and a trans temp gauge and even on the hottest of days in Chicago in stop and go traffic, A/C on full blast, towing a waverunner, the temp has never gone higher than 200*
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Running the A/C can actually help reduce tranny temps b/c the fans are running and pull air through the tranny cooler if it is mounted on the condensor.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I find that any gains from the fans running are negated by the heat from the condenser. The fans would be on and on High speed above 80* anyway.
<strong> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Superman:
<strong>I have a 24K B&M cooler, a deep pan and a trans temp gauge and even on the hottest of days in Chicago in stop and go traffic, A/C on full blast, towing a waverunner, the temp has never gone higher than 200*
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Running the A/C can actually help reduce tranny temps b/c the fans are running and pull air through the tranny cooler if it is mounted on the condensor.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I find that any gains from the fans running are negated by the heat from the condenser. The fans would be on and on High speed above 80* anyway.
