Converter Lockup
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Converter Lockup
After fighting the gremlins, I decided to pull the plug on my '81 computer. I went to a non computerized carb and distributor and manually set the timing. Since I'm in a state with no testing, I also cleaned up the engine by taking a few things off.
It is my understanding that the next thing I need to do is add an aftermarket converter lockup. Since the computer is now unpluged, it is my understanding that the converter will no longer lockup.
I noticed B&M makes a lockup kit for about $160, that allows you to manually lock the converter. From reading the details, the lockup is used to only improve fuel enconomy.
Since this is a weekend driver, overhauled the engine to get a few more ponies, not sure if I need to install a lockup to save a few gallons of gas. Since fuel enconimy is no longer an option, would it hurt the transmission running without the lockup? What are the pros and cons?
It is my understanding that the next thing I need to do is add an aftermarket converter lockup. Since the computer is now unpluged, it is my understanding that the converter will no longer lockup.
I noticed B&M makes a lockup kit for about $160, that allows you to manually lock the converter. From reading the details, the lockup is used to only improve fuel enconomy.
Since this is a weekend driver, overhauled the engine to get a few more ponies, not sure if I need to install a lockup to save a few gallons of gas. Since fuel enconimy is no longer an option, would it hurt the transmission running without the lockup? What are the pros and cons?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
Is your current tranny a TH350C? If it were me, then I'd use the lockup and save a few MPG. I thinking that if you do a web search then you can find a wiring diagram that will explain which pin on the tranny plug will need energized to lockup. Once you find that pin, then you could install a simple switch to engage the lockup if you wanted or could use a more sophisticated, yet cheap bosch relay off of the brake switch.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
When locked the tranny runs cooler so it extends the tranny life a little. I have my Formula 700r4 wired with a manual swithc so I can control when it is on and off. All I did was get a wiring diagram and removed the wiring from the computer and put a toggle switch in it's place.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: Boynton Beach Florida
you can do two things,, Bowtie has a wiring kit or you can ground the test plug under the console near the ash tray. I I grounded the plug and put a switch in..It works fine..If you leave it grounged it will lug a slow speeds sometimes..If you need mors info email me at prissyo@aol.com ,,,,I have and 81 with old computer harness for the engine removed
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Appreciate the help. So what y'all are saying, is when the computer wire is grounded, it locks up the converter. I will look for the plug and add the switch. I'm assuming that I have to run one side of the added switch to ground and the other end feeds to the transmission plug.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: Boynton Beach Florida
thats what I did and it works fine. I only see about 200rpm drop. at 70 the rpm dropped from 2700 to 2500,As for Gas milage, its is still the same, with a edelbrock 650 and a mild cam I'm getting about 12 to 13 mpg
