SMALL stall converter bad for autocross?
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
SMALL stall converter bad for autocross?
I have a stock torque converter (approx 1200rpm) in my 1997 Vette right now. I am about to change out the whole drive system from end to end. I want to put a new converter no matter what, so I am thinking of putting a SMALL (approx 1800rpm) stall converter in. The question is, how will this effect performance on the Auto-X course? Most courses I run, you put the car in 2nd and leave it there. Top speeds can hit 75mph, but 60 is much more common.
Here's what the car will have when done...
400-420 rwhp LS3
Built A4 tranny
3.73 rear end gearing
Can't wait to hear replies.
Here's what the car will have when done...
400-420 rwhp LS3
Built A4 tranny
3.73 rear end gearing
Can't wait to hear replies.
#2
Melting Slicks
Converters tend to make the throttle more of an on/off switch so you will have less ability to modulate the throttle, which would be bad for autocrossing. I had a small (2400) stall in my C6 and there wasn't much "feel" left in it. Eventually I went back to stock.
#3
Melting Slicks
Bad Idea..
Been there, done that, it doesn't work. You get a bit more punch off of slow corners, but you lose the ability to help the car turn in with a throttle lift.
When you lift the car will not shift weight forward and it won't turn in well at all. Automatics are bad enough in that regard, but a loose converter makes it even worse. To make a setup like that work you have to set the car up to be very loose, and then driving it is like walking a tightrope.
The A4 is poorly geared for autox so if you are hooked on a slushbox get an A6, it has the lower second gear and would be a lot better choice.
When you lift the car will not shift weight forward and it won't turn in well at all. Automatics are bad enough in that regard, but a loose converter makes it even worse. To make a setup like that work you have to set the car up to be very loose, and then driving it is like walking a tightrope.
The A4 is poorly geared for autox so if you are hooked on a slushbox get an A6, it has the lower second gear and would be a lot better choice.
Last edited by Solofast; 02-19-2010 at 10:31 PM.