converter manual lock out switch ?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 841
Likes: 0
From: High Desert California
converter manual lock out switch ?
what will happen if I do not connect a manual switch for a converter lock-out. mods in my car included disabling the comp. UKPaul once mentioned to install a manual lock-out switch. don't have time to do this now, but is it essential? will I damage anything without it? if so, I guess I have to make time for it. I'm moving and it's going to be approximately a 70 mile drive.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Camino CA
It won't hurt the car, your converter just won't lock up.
The converter in pre 1981 vettes slips all the time, you'll be running just like them.
The lock up conveter only locks up when you are crusing in 3rd gear, it unlocks when you hit the gas, go up a hill, etc. So it's only used like 5% of the time anyways.
The converter in pre 1981 vettes slips all the time, you'll be running just like them.
The lock up conveter only locks up when you are crusing in 3rd gear, it unlocks when you hit the gas, go up a hill, etc. So it's only used like 5% of the time anyways.
Last edited by Ben Taylor; Aug 29, 2006 at 01:39 AM.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Camino CA
The only difference between the TH350c (only on 1981 vettes) and the TH350 is the computer signals for locking up the converter, and the converter has a clutch in it. If the clutch on the converter never locks up, it will be exactly the same as the older TH350. When the converter locks up it gives you a true 1:1 ratio in 3rd gear, there is less of a load on the engine, and it produces less heat. If you transmission didn't overheat before, it probably still won't, just don't put a huge load on it. 70 miles should be no problem for the car.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
From: Mason MI 82-93-04CE
Originally Posted by Ben Taylor
The only difference between the TH350c (only on 1981 vettes) and the TH350 is the computer signals for locking up the converter, and the converter has a clutch in it. If the clutch on the converter never locks up, it will be exactly the same as the older TH350. When the converter locks up it gives you a true 1:1 ratio in 3rd gear, there is less of a load on the engine, and it produces less heat. If you transmission didn't overheat before, it probably still won't, just don't put a huge load on it. 70 miles should be no problem for the car.
My 82 was run (by previous owner) with the TCC brake switch out of adjustment for four years. He never knew it had a TCC. I fixed that but added a switch in the brake wiring to disable the TCC in city driving, and during slow-speed stuff like autocross. A always use the TCC on the highway for continous speeds over 45. I want to somehow convert it to automatically only lockup in OD after 45 mph, like later models. I hate it when it locks up in 2nd and early in 3rd. I read somewhere about a cooling problem on the 82-84, but I can't understand how the TCC would effect the pump for circulation of fluid. After all those years of not using it the trans is in excellent operating condition and the fluid always perfect when changed. I don't think it has ever been abused, though.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 841
Likes: 0
From: High Desert California
Originally Posted by Ben Taylor
The only difference between the TH350c (only on 1981 vettes) and the TH350 is the computer signals for locking up the converter, and the converter has a clutch in it. If the clutch on the converter never locks up, it will be exactly the same as the older TH350. When the converter locks up it gives you a true 1:1 ratio in 3rd gear, there is less of a load on the engine, and it produces less heat. If you transmission didn't overheat before, it probably still won't, just don't put a huge load on it. 70 miles should be no problem for the car.
I'll probably work on it soon as I move into my new place. Thanks again 
.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Running it for a little while is ok, Mine has aparently run that way for years. I found it disconnected and tied back to the harness. Connected it will improve milage a bit and reduce some heat.
