700R4 non-computer conversion question
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
700R4 non-computer conversion question
I am restoring a 1982 vette, and the computer system has been removed at some point in the past before I bought the car. I need to get a conversion kit so that the transmission will work without the computer, and I found one that is supposed to be good. I do have a question about some of the terminology that is used. Here is the description of the kit:
http://www.tpiperformance.com/noncomlockit.html
THIS TPI PERFORMANCE KIT ALLOWS YOU TO INSTALL A 700R4 OR 2004R WITHOUT ANY COMPUTER . THE ONLY TRUE EXTERNAL KIT ON THE MARKET TODAY! TAKES 10 MINUTES TO INSTALL WITHOUT REMOVING THE TRANSMISSION PAN. NO BRAKE SWITCHES OR VACUUM SWITCHES NEEDED.OUR KIT ALLOWS LOCK-UP ONLY IN 4TH GEAR WHICH ELIMINATES MOST CONVERTER SHUDDER.
What does it mean when it states “allows lock-up only in 4rth gear”? Would this kit allow the tranny to downshift for passing? Sorry if these are very basic questions, but I just have never heard this term before. If anyone also has an opinion on this or other kits available, that would also be helpful.
TIA,
CDM
http://www.tpiperformance.com/noncomlockit.html
THIS TPI PERFORMANCE KIT ALLOWS YOU TO INSTALL A 700R4 OR 2004R WITHOUT ANY COMPUTER . THE ONLY TRUE EXTERNAL KIT ON THE MARKET TODAY! TAKES 10 MINUTES TO INSTALL WITHOUT REMOVING THE TRANSMISSION PAN. NO BRAKE SWITCHES OR VACUUM SWITCHES NEEDED.OUR KIT ALLOWS LOCK-UP ONLY IN 4TH GEAR WHICH ELIMINATES MOST CONVERTER SHUDDER.
What does it mean when it states “allows lock-up only in 4rth gear”? Would this kit allow the tranny to downshift for passing? Sorry if these are very basic questions, but I just have never heard this term before. If anyone also has an opinion on this or other kits available, that would also be helpful.
TIA,
CDM
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: 700R4 non-computer conversion question (82Powerhouse)
It will work fine. What it does is engage and disengage lockup as you go in and out of 4th gear. All it means is that anytime you're in 4th, it will lockup the converter. With the computer, there may be times you'd be unlocked in 4th. No big deal.
:seeya
:seeya
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,446
Likes: 2
From: Not Correctly Restored Stingray Fla.
Re: 700R4 non-computer conversion question (82Powerhouse)
LOCK-UP....a converter has a certain amount of slippage and lock-up is when the clutches in the converter are engaged and the tranny and converter are one to one. If you DO NOT have lock-up in a tranny designed to have it you burn up your planetary gears. Usually lock-up is removed on performance trannys. I hopr this has helped.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 963
Likes: 0
From: melbourne,Australia
Re: 700R4 non-computer conversion question (82Powerhouse)
The torque converter has to slip to enable the box to function...what a lock up does is to turn the torque converter into a mechanical connection,ie lock it up,so that there is no slip......it is somewhat like an overdrive.....the effect of it is to reduce rpm in 4th by about 200 rpm.....it makes absolutely no difference to how the other gears operate and how the kickdown works...just helps reduce fuel consumption when cruising....john :chevy
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Denver Colorado
Re: 700R4 non-computer conversion question (82Powerhouse)
I put some thing like this in my 72 pickup. The kit was an oil pressure switch and a relay. When the oil pressure for 4th gear hits the switch it engages the relay, and sends 12 volts to the converter to lock it up. When you step on the gas hard enough to down shift, the converter unlocks. works pretty slick.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 18,478
Likes: 3
From: Quincy IL
Re: 700R4 non-computer conversion question (Garrett1972)
I converted to 700r4 in 2000, and used a vacuum switch, it's a kit from TCI which Jeg's or Summitt carries, i just saw it in the last Jeg's catalog i got 2 weeks ago $76.95. it works fine, I did have to adjust the vacuum switch, sometimes if going up a hill in 4th gear, the vacuum would drop off causing the lockup to unlock. so I adjusted the switch to work on a little less vacuum. lockup is simply a little switch with a peg that pops out to positively engage the 4th gear. their is no slippage between the transmission bands
