81 Vette Transmission Torque Lock
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Omaha NE
81 Vette Transmission Torque Lock
So, just found out the torque lock on the transmission of my 81 vette is not connected. I think i should probably hook it up. Any thoughts or recommendations.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
Plug it back in and see how it acts. If its still working, it will be beneficial.
But most likely there is a reason that its unplugged. Early lock up transmissions and converters were more problematic than they are today.
Most of the time it was due to the converter staying locked when it should be released.
But most likely there is a reason that its unplugged. Early lock up transmissions and converters were more problematic than they are today.
Most of the time it was due to the converter staying locked when it should be released.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you still have the ['81-only] ECM hooked up, just reconnect it per the original wiring diagram. If you do not have the computer, anymore, you can purchase one just to get the tranny lockup clutch working correctly or you can buy a different brand of lockup controller and install it to do the job.
Just putting a manual switch on that lockup converter is NOT the best idea. The problem is remembering to turn that switch off in an 'emergency' or 'panic' type situation. The computer/controller would do that for you without any action from you. If you feel the manual switch is what you want to do, at least replace your brake light switch (on the brake pedal linkage under the dash) with one from an S-10 pickup truck. They have two switches on them: one is a 'normally CLOSED' switch for connecting to the brake lights; the other is a 'normally OPEN' switch for connecting to converter lockup and/or cruise control. {You must remember that the brake light switch is installed to break the switch connection when the pedal is pushed, so it works in reverse from how the switch setup is designed just sitting in its box.}
Run power for the lockup thru the brake switch and then thru a manual shutoff switch and on to the transmission. That way, you can select the lockup function when you want it with the manual on/off switch...but when you hit the brakes (emergency or panic type condition), the power will drop from the lockup clutch, also.
Just putting a manual switch on that lockup converter is NOT the best idea. The problem is remembering to turn that switch off in an 'emergency' or 'panic' type situation. The computer/controller would do that for you without any action from you. If you feel the manual switch is what you want to do, at least replace your brake light switch (on the brake pedal linkage under the dash) with one from an S-10 pickup truck. They have two switches on them: one is a 'normally CLOSED' switch for connecting to the brake lights; the other is a 'normally OPEN' switch for connecting to converter lockup and/or cruise control. {You must remember that the brake light switch is installed to break the switch connection when the pedal is pushed, so it works in reverse from how the switch setup is designed just sitting in its box.}
Run power for the lockup thru the brake switch and then thru a manual shutoff switch and on to the transmission. That way, you can select the lockup function when you want it with the manual on/off switch...but when you hit the brakes (emergency or panic type condition), the power will drop from the lockup clutch, also.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 283
From: Dyersburg TN
Lock up
It will only drop the RPM a few hundred, but every bit helps. The OEM setup was a pain because it would lock in and out at too low a speed. You can replace the pressure switch with one that will let it only lock at highway speed. My CCU is still working, but the TCC lock did not so i rewired it to work like pre computer cars. As stated above make sure the brake switch is part of it or you will stall car or worse hit something.
