converter to 'loose'
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: albuquerque nm
converter to 'loose' I own a 01 trans am and i just got a n/a converter "custom" along with my stock tranny re-enforced and shift kit installed. well the converter is to loose in order for me to pick up 40 mph (driving normal) my rpms are between 2 and 2.5. from reading the sticky i guess its called the converter being loose. well ok my question is this, how (if any possible way) can i get lower rpms while tryin to pick up speed?? maybe a tune?? anything?? thanks for your imputs
Your slip (which might be 500RPM or more down low)
sits on top of your geared-RPM. You could upshift early
(tune) and take slightly more slip on top of lower geared-
RPM for a net win, or you could bring in the lockup at
low pedal (but I find it annoying, lots of lock/unlock in
street driving). Tune also. Beyond that, the converter
has its nature and you're seeing it.
sits on top of your geared-RPM. You could upshift early
(tune) and take slightly more slip on top of lower geared-
RPM for a net win, or you could bring in the lockup at
low pedal (but I find it annoying, lots of lock/unlock in
street driving). Tune also. Beyond that, the converter
has its nature and you're seeing it.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,132
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From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Thats right on par with how my SS3800 acts. I wasn't a huge fan at first, but I just kinda got used to it and drove the car with a light foot around town and now I barely even notice. Give it some time.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,132
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From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Originally Posted by '91firebirdformula
i have a 3600, is the locking and unlocking a normal thing??
it will unlock cruising down the interstate, then lock up again a few minutes later. i've tried tapping the brake when its unlocked to see if it will lock back up when released, but no luck.
TECH Resident
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From: Tree-Hugging, Bug eating CALI'
The way I drive is unless I am out of traffic and doing sustained freeway speed I leave the shifter in "D". After I am out of traffic and sustaining a speed above 50 MPH I leave it in "OD". You could adjust the lock-up lower but it will lock and unlock a lot more, or if you adjust it higher it will just feel looser.
You may consider going with a shorter rear end ratio. This will help it feel looser, although it's at an expense of higher RPMs which will lead to faster engine wear and increased fuel usage.
Good luck. Try to give it time to get yourself used to it. After some roll races you may change your mind
You may consider going with a shorter rear end ratio. This will help it feel looser, although it's at an expense of higher RPMs which will lead to faster engine wear and increased fuel usage.
Good luck. Try to give it time to get yourself used to it. After some roll races you may change your mind
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Originally Posted by '91firebirdformula
it will unlock cruising down the interstate, then lock up again a few minutes later. i've tried tapping the brake when its unlocked to see if it will lock back up when released, but no luck.
At least on LS1s, I don't know about the scheme on older stuff.
ok, so i need a tune-up? or do i get this fixed with a tune?? I know the plugs are getting old and the car hasnt been tuned since i've made it a full bolt on car. Thanks for the inputs!!
Staging Lane
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 52
Likes: 1
Regarding the lockup issue, you can delete (not clear) the misfire codes in the rev range that's causing problems. You need a tuner to do this, or tuner software.
In terms of changing the feel of the converter, there's not much you can do short of a rear gear swap or converter swap. You could play with the lockup settings, but that's not going to be very practical in stop-n-go. Lowering the part throttle shift points will get you into a *slightly* lower rpm, but it may feel even worse, as you'll now need even more throttle to get it to pick up. Give it a little time, get used to it, then see if it still bothers you. A lot of people are annoyed by the "loose" feel right after a conv. swap, but usually they forget about it when they realize the performance gains.
In terms of changing the feel of the converter, there's not much you can do short of a rear gear swap or converter swap. You could play with the lockup settings, but that's not going to be very practical in stop-n-go. Lowering the part throttle shift points will get you into a *slightly* lower rpm, but it may feel even worse, as you'll now need even more throttle to get it to pick up. Give it a little time, get used to it, then see if it still bothers you. A lot of people are annoyed by the "loose" feel right after a conv. swap, but usually they forget about it when they realize the performance gains.
