Colonel

Yes, the rumors are true. (Before anyone asks why I'm running a converter from a non-sponsor, I think that is about to change.) Monday I drove to Ashland, MS (population 399, a dog, a cat, and a couple of sqirrels) for a Tuesday morning appointment at TCI. I arrived at TCI about 7:00am. Now I knew the place would be big but DAMN! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> I was impressed to say the least. It was squeaky clean and very organized. I met up with Kevin Winstead and Kevin Steele (Kevin Winstead affectionately calls him "K2") who I had the pleasure of meeting the night before at the Outback Steakhouse in Tupelo. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" /> I then met Jeff Reed and Greg Friend. All super-nice guys who are quite knowledgeable and obviously VERY enthusiastic about their chosen profession and hobby.

After K1 and K2 pulled the tranny they turned it over to Jeff Reed and Charlie Thayer who installed the TCI shift kit and made a few valve body tweeks. I looked on and bugged them with about 100 questions as they worked. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

After lunch at the local gas station/resteraunt (damn that was some fine bread puddin' and fried corn on the cob!) Greg Friend took me on a tour of both TCI plants that I won't soon forget.

First we toured the manufacturing/machining/converter plant. I musta asked 1000 questions as Greg carefully walked me from station to station which he eagerly and thoroughly answered. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" /> If you're anything like I am and love to learn what makes these cars work and how things are made you'de have been like a kid in a candy store in this place! I was most impressed with their testing procedures, the checks and balances that I saw taking place. EVERYTHING is checked, checked, and re-checked at TCI. I guess when you're busy building as many transmissions and converters as TCI, you don't want many of them coming back. After seeing the meticulous nature of their quality controls I bet not many do. I've never seen so many transmissons and converters in all my life, let alone in one place! You'de just have to see it to understand. Simply mind boggling! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />

Then we toured the tranny assembly/tranny testing plant and warehouse. Again, most impressive. I had no idea that TCI tests each and every tranny on an engine powered diagnostic machine. They run them through the gears repeatedly while monitoring every circuit in the tranny. They were sure checking ALOT of gages that I didn't have a clue as to what they meant.

After everything was properly installed we hit TCI's state of the art testing strip (aka, the two lane road out front) to make sure everything was working right and boy was it! Kevin Winstead had predicted the converter would have a true stall of 3500. I checked it by holding the tranny in 2nd gear and putting both feet flat on the floor (you can only do this on '00 and newer cars.) It checked out at 3525. Good guess huh? Drivability was excellent. Even better than I'd hoped for. It was good and tight at light to moderate throttle (I could really feel that 2.5 STR working for me) but then stalled up nicely when the hammer was dropped. We ran it through the gears a few times. The shift kit REALLY did it's job and the converter kicked ***! The 315/35/17 Nitto drag radials were having a heckuva time even from rolling starts. <img border="0" alt="[Burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" /> I tried to check the shift extention on the 1/2 shift. Seemed to be about 4700 (just what I'd hoped for) taking into consideration that our tachs are so slow. I'll have to verify via Autotap to be sure.

So, I fed the guys a few of my girlfriends week old brownies, thanked them for their excellent hospitality, and started my 4 1/2 hour trek home. I made 2/3 WOT shifts any chance I got. I just couldn't get over how much difference a days worth of work made to the personality of the car. Shifts were now lightning quick and crisp. The converter pulled HARD and the clutch lockup was absolutely perfect. Not too soft yet not abrupt. Just right and with NO clutch chatter whatsoever.

My local track won't re-open until January 3rd. I am anxious and VERY optimistic to say the least. <img border="0" alt="[Burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" />

<small>[ December 19, 2002, 02:34 PM: Message edited by: Colonel ]</small>

AZ28driver

TCI does make a great product. In the 79 camaro that I used to have my set up was as follows:
GM ZZ Crate motor rated at 345 hp @ 5800
TCI street fighter Turbo 350 With trans cooler and deep pan
TCI Street Fighter 10 inch 3500 stall
8.5 10 Bolt with 3.90
That entire set up gave me 70,000 miles of trouble free daily driving/drag strip abuse.
I sold the car when I got my new Z because my wife wouldn't let me keep 3 cars. Who knows how many miles are on it now with the new owner.
One word of advice I have is to stick with TCI's transfluid over other brands. Maybe it was all in my head the the trans shifted much better when i was running that as opposed to other brands.

Jeffs99SS

DAMN... it's getting harder and harder for me to decide on a converter now. Seriously, it is nice to see some more options out there other than just the proven Vig and Yank. I have been noticing more and more people trying TCI, and am very interested to see how they hold up and perform as more people get them. They also seem to be a little easier on the wallet, which is always a good thing <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

Glad to hear you're happy with your choice. Let us know how it performs

Later
Jeff

BradWS6

iTrader: (3)

Great write up Colonel <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> I'm using there converter as well.Kevin was suppose to be at the Thunder Shootout but other plans kept him away.Hope so see there shop one day <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

MARKSZ71

iTrader: (3)

colonel i have a good friend that works over there he was saying how well orgainzed this place is and the quality of tci.He built me a turbo 400 for my 67 camaro race car no problems at all so far.

Terry Burger

iTrader: (4)

I've been very happy with my TCI stall!! (1.46 60' times on motor!). Ditch those nittos and put some ET Streets on. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

DrkPhx

iTrader: (15)

What about price and effiency compared to Yank? Also, is it really worth it to switch to TCI? I have a Y3200 right now with 0 problems for 2 years and plan on switching to the SS3800. Do they have a comparable unit?

Lesrace82

iTrader: (8)

Do you have the Super Street Fight converter?
Is the only converters the make for our cars the street fighter and the super street fighter? Or will the make custom stuff too?
Thanks
Bill

JS

iTrader: (4)

But u failed to answer one question

U WERE A BIG BIG BIG YANK GUY,and talked and talked about how great they are and were,but now u run TCI.

So lets here the real reason why u switched and I dont want some candy *** repsonse like,"I wanted a change"

JS

Colonel

Yank converters are still as great as they ever were and I'm sure I'll run them again (last I talked with Mike the plan was still for him to build the converter for my NA 8 second effort.) I am STILL a "BIG BIG BIG YANK GUY."

I actually told Mike of my intentions to run this converter quite awhile back (call and ask him if you don't believe me.) I also told him that I wanted to run his SS3600 as well (and I still do.) I would like to do an even comparison of the two. I told Kevin Winstead the same thing. Both of them welcome the opportunity to compare their converters. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" />

"But u failed to answer one question"

And no JS, I don't think I failed to answer that question since it was never asked up until you asked it.

Colonel

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Lesrace82:
<strong>Do you have the Super Street Fight converter?
Is the only converters the make for our cars the street fighter and the super street fighter? Or will the make custom stuff too?
Thanks
Bill</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yes, that's what I have. They also make a tighter and a looser converter than this one. I forget the stall speed on the tighter one. I think I recall Kevin saying the looser one stalls to about 4400 behind 346ci. It's the one Kristy runs. Maybe she can elaborate.

Yes, they have an entire section of their plant dedicated towards making custom converters.

<small>[ December 20, 2002, 12:09 AM: Message edited by: Colonel ]</small>

NA$TY-TA

iTrader: (21)

The one thing i want to know is what is the price differance if any???? How much was the one your running now Colonel??? Thats the same stall im looking at.

Damian

iTrader: (89)

Colonel, are you talking about your 422 Z28, or the new one?

Kevin Winstead

Colonel,
It was a pleasure to meet you and talk about racing our hot rods. I've gotta say, I'm really impressed with your '02 Z. It's difficult to believe that the LS1 was designed by the same company that designed the LG4 305 for the early to mid 80s Camaro. The acceleration was awesome for an internally stock engine. I'm sure you'll dip into the 11s very soon. Looking forward to you getting some time slips...
Kevin

2xLS1

iTrader: (25)

Please don't take this wrong because I respect the Colonel's knowledge of converters and he was a great of help to me when I was really new to all of this. I still have a file saved that he e mailed me years ago explaining how all this converter stuff worked.
What was the cost to purchase a TCI converter, have it installed by TCI, tour the plant, and have dinner with the two Kevins? Is this kind of deal available for the average consumer, or do you have to be a message board owner to get that kind of treatment? There has been a lot of bad PR here about TCI converters and I'm just wondering if this is truly unbiased or if there wasn't some kind of quid pro quo for TCI to get some good PR about their product here. Just seems kind of strange that someone who is probably responsible for me running Yank's all these years is now running a TCI, especially after all the bad that had been posted about them here. Especially the quality issues and the pictures supporting that, that's all. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

30th TA 0219

Well, I don't even have an automatic, but these convertor wars have been very intriguing, and have had me considering getting auto the next time I buy and LS1 car.
I agree that you or I could prolly not get dinner and a tour, but nor do you or I have one of the fastest cars around, thus being very high profile. I'm quite sure it has more to do with visibility as a respected, fast car owner, than BB owner. I also think it shows a great deal of diplomacy and intelligence by Colonel not to get caught up in the convertor war BS, not be close minded, and bash other products without firsthand knowledge either. I'm sure if something goes wrong with TCI Colonel will let us know, and let us us know what the Kev's do about it also.
I applaud the Ks, Colonel, and Mike @ Yank for understanding how business is done, and trying not to fan the flames! <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />

JS

iTrader: (4)

Steve I wasnt trying to bash ya,And frankly I dont think you'll lose any sleep over it if I did.Its your car and u can do whatever u want with it.Thanks for answering my question..

But all in all IMO 2XLS1 hit the nail on the head..
Guess the world is still built on who u are?

I wish TCI the very best in the comming months.
I'm sure there products are excellent.....

JS

JohnPayne

iTrader: (3)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Colonel:I think I recall Kevin saying the looser one stalls to about 4400 behind 346ci. It's the one Kristy runs. Maybe she can elaborate.

Yes, they have an entire section of their plant dedicated towards making custom converters.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yes, that is what Kristi and I run the 4400 version and like Colonel said the guys at TCI are a great bunch, we have ran the 3500 also for a while and then we went to the 4400. Colonel I think you will like the TCI.

John

<small>[ December 20, 2002, 09:57 AM: Message edited by: JohnPayne ]</small>

Colonel

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by NA$TY-TA:
<strong>The one thing i want to know is what is the price differance if any???? How much was the one your running now Colonel??? Thats the same stall im looking at.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">It's according to where you get them from but I think they usually run about $500 for the converter I'm running. The SS3600 is $895 on Yank's site but they are different converters. They are both great buys. The SS3600 has some different features (like the 21 blade stator) that help to justify it's higher price.

"Colonel, are you talking about your 422 Z28, or the new one?"

This is the '02. It's still internally stock.

"What was the cost to purchase a TCI converter, have it installed by TCI, tour the plant, and have dinner with the two Kevins? Is this kind of deal available for the average consumer, or do you have to be a message board owner to get that kind of treatment?"

I think it had alot more to do with running NA 9s with a hydraulic cammed street engine than co-owning a message board. I believe I would have been given the same opportunity had I not been an owner of this board. So I guess you could say the cost was NA 9s. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

No, this is not a deal that TCI offers to the public. I was VERY fortunate to have been given the opportunity and I'm very happy to report what I saw to all of you. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

"There has been a lot of bad PR here about TCI converters and I'm just wondering if this is truly unbiased or if there wasn't some kind of quid pro quo for TCI to get some good PR about their product here.

Every well known company gets their share of bad PR sometimes. Yank has certainly had their share of it about too. But still, I LOVE Yank's converters. A little bad PR doesn't mean much to me. I like to see for myself. Read what I wrote. I told what I saw. It IS what I saw. I told how I was treated. I WAS treated just that way. I gave driving impressions of the converter. They are as accurate as I have words. There is not one falsehood in what I posted. And when I get some track data it will be %100 factual too. How can you trust that? Well, I can give the timeslips, the weather and track conditions, and there can even be witnesses and video if need be. Aside from that you have my reputation and my reputation is on the line any time I open my mouth. I know that and I DON'T take it lightly! I told Kevin well before I made this trip that I would honestly test the converter and let the truth speak for itself. "IF it performs, everyone will know it."

"Just seems kind of strange that someone who is probably responsible for me running Yank's all these years is now running a TCI, especially after all the bad that had been posted about them here. Especially the quality issues and the pictures supporting that, that's all."

I still run Yank's too and I'm not telling anyone to get rid of their Yank converter and switch to TCI am I? As I stated to JS earlier. I AM STILL A HUGE YANK FAN! Just because I want to compare these two converters does not change that. I wasn't any part of the whole quality issues and pictures thing. Think about it. That whole controversy makes me WANT to test this converter. The proof is in the track times and that's what I intend to get.

So tell me, aren't you curious to know how these two converters stack up? Here's your chance. I for one am always eager to learn. And I don't let brand loyalties get in the way of opportunities like this. That's just being closed minded and hard headed.

"I also think it shows a great deal of diplomacy and intelligence by Colonel not to get caught up in the convertor war BS, not be close minded, and bash other products without firsthand knowledge either. I'm sure if something goes wrong with TCI Colonel will let us know, and let us us know what the Kev's do about it also."

Thank you, and yes, I will. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

"Steve I wasnt trying to bash ya,And frankly I dont think you'll lose any sleep over it if I did."

No? Well you sure as hell weren't supporting me were you? Let's review...

"But u failed to answer one question (You're telling me that I didn't answer a question that was never asked. Insinuating that there was some kind of conspiracy I guess?) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

U WERE A BIG BIG BIG YANK GUY,and talked and talked about how great they are and were,but now u run TCI. (That doesn't change a thing. They were and still are great. So frickin' what there's a TCI converter in my car? Quit trying to dramatize the whole thing. That's just silly."

So lets here the real reason why u switched and I dont want some candy *** repsonse like,"I wanted a change" (Candy *** response? Just when have you ever heard ME give a candy *** response, Joel? Really. I take offense to that. You could try being just a little more respectful of someone who's never done anything but help you.)

Colonel

2xLS1, this converter was made in TCI's street/strip section along with the other couple hundred or so converters that were made there that day. They have two converter divisions, the street/strip and the custom or "competition" division. That is the only place custom converters are made. This converter was not made there. The division that made this converter builds them 50 to a couple hundred at a time. They don't have time to "special" build a converter. Besides, what would they do differently? All of the converters like mine are going to use the same stator. Change anything else and it's going to stall more or less, right? As I said, I checked this converter and it stalls just a hair over 3500 in my car...exactly as it should. If my converter were designed to make better times than other SF3500s it would either have to hit harder or stall higher, which it obviously does not. And if they could build the same stall speed to perform better then why wouldn't they build them all like that?

Point being, it IS the same converter Joe Blow buys. It's the same one Terry Burger is running, the same one Kristi was running before she went to the looser converter, it's the same one that YOU will get if you buy from them. Anyway, folks will either believe that or not. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

JS, we're cool. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />