L-98 torque converter preference?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,882
Likes: 234
From: Bangkok, Thailand
L-98 torque converter preference?
The C5 guys like the small diameter Vigilante converters a lot so I was wondering if there is any similar consensus for the L-98 cars.
I'm not in the market anytime soon (unless my trans grenades unexpectedly), but I'm thinking of the future.
I'm not in the market anytime soon (unless my trans grenades unexpectedly), but I'm thinking of the future.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,882
Likes: 234
From: Bangkok, Thailand
I like the idea of the smaller diameter converters becasue they are much more efficient. Also the aftermarkter ones are typically better suited to a "performance" build than a production piece.
Last edited by mcm95403; Apr 11, 2012 at 10:14 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh PA
I've used 2800 stall 9.5" Edge Racing in my old bolt on L98. I felt it was a GREAT match for that cars power band. With TPI it had a shorter powerband but with the HSR intake, i extended my rpm range about 800 rpm. Really picked up performance. 2800 matched it well. 1.70-1.71 60 foots with just 250whp/315wtq. Car ran hard for the bolt ons.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
From: Eden Utah
3 transmission failures due to TCI torque converter clutch failures, I finally learned. Stay away from anything from Comp. TCI converters are junk. Get yourself a real converter and get a Precision. Yup, send them back to TCI, they are guaranteed, they fix them for $75. Then they just fail again. Every time a converter fails, it takes out your trans, big expense...
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 451
Likes: 16
From: Kalamazoo/delton MI
With my 383 I leave 20 foot black marks every time i push the pedal down more then 3/4 from a stop.
so i have to ask myself (and you guys) is there a reason to upgrade the converter without finding a way to hook the power up better?
The only way i can leave the light hard without a smokey burnout is to start out in second gear.
so i have to ask myself (and you guys) is there a reason to upgrade the converter without finding a way to hook the power up better?
The only way i can leave the light hard without a smokey burnout is to start out in second gear.
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Brett Foote
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,693
Likes: 1,666
From: moraga ca
With my 383 I leave 20 foot black marks every time i push the pedal down more then 3/4 from a stop.
so i have to ask myself (and you guys) is there a reason to upgrade the converter without finding a way to hook the power up better?
The only way i can leave the light hard without a smokey burnout is to start out in second gear.
so i have to ask myself (and you guys) is there a reason to upgrade the converter without finding a way to hook the power up better?
The only way i can leave the light hard without a smokey burnout is to start out in second gear.
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 293
Likes: 4
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 451
Likes: 16
From: Kalamazoo/delton MI
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh PA
On the street, converters can make it harder to hook. Dont expect to hook up in first gear on the street with full throttle from just about any motor and any tire combination. The surfaces just wont allow it. Prepped surface at a track is different story.
From a roll, they make goin WOT much more enjoyable since the motor is in the powerband depending on the gear you start in. It also helps on gear shifts in that keeps rpms from dropping to low. My LS1 car picked up 2 tenths and 2 mph in the 1/8 mile just by going to 3200 stall over stock on street tires when doing same 60 foots. The higher stall didnt lose as much rpm between shifts and thus gave me more average power down the track.
Once added some drag radials and in better weather, 60 foots went from 2.0's on street tires/stock stall to 1.6's on radials with 3200 stall. 4 tenths in 60 foot, and I seen 0.8-1.0 second off my 1/8 mile time alone! Huge difference in being able to launch at full throttle and hook.
From a roll, they make goin WOT much more enjoyable since the motor is in the powerband depending on the gear you start in. It also helps on gear shifts in that keeps rpms from dropping to low. My LS1 car picked up 2 tenths and 2 mph in the 1/8 mile just by going to 3200 stall over stock on street tires when doing same 60 foots. The higher stall didnt lose as much rpm between shifts and thus gave me more average power down the track.
Once added some drag radials and in better weather, 60 foots went from 2.0's on street tires/stock stall to 1.6's on radials with 3200 stall. 4 tenths in 60 foot, and I seen 0.8-1.0 second off my 1/8 mile time alone! Huge difference in being able to launch at full throttle and hook.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 4
From: Middle River MD
I have a Vigilante 2600, but seems a bit higher. Anyway, the performance gain from a stop is huge and quite fun based on my experience. Laying rubber is ridiculously easy, but using drag radials allows me to take off quite nicely. I can say though that for everyday driving it tends to get bothersome riding around at 2600 (or higher) rpms at speeds that don't allow the convertor to lockup. The gas consumption in these conditions is horrific. If I am in light traffic anywhere above approx 42 mph or on the highway, it locks up and mileage is much, much better.
Bottom line is it is much more fun to drive fast, but around town in congestion, not so much. But I would never go back to a stock convertor
ps- budget for a trans cooler too...the trans will generate more heat with the higher stall. I have one and my original stock trans (140k) is still kicking after years of unnecessary abuse
Bottom line is it is much more fun to drive fast, but around town in congestion, not so much. But I would never go back to a stock convertor
ps- budget for a trans cooler too...the trans will generate more heat with the higher stall. I have one and my original stock trans (140k) is still kicking after years of unnecessary abuse
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,693
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From: moraga ca
