C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Torque Converter Issue (maybe)

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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 07:34 PM
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Default Torque Converter Issue (maybe)

I have a surging issue with my 1989 vette when I am traveling mostly between 35 - 65 MPH. It feels like the car really slows down and bucks after I let off the accelerator and coast along in gear. If coast along in neutral, the car the car is fine. Replaced the plugs, wires, fuel filter, and air filter about one year ago. Couple of questions:

1) Is it the torque converter or something else

2) How can I test to see if it is the torque converter

3) Approx. price to repair

Thanks
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 01:25 AM
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Default Re: Torque Converter Issue (csc67)

Are you saying the car goes faster? If so, I don;t see how a torque conv. could cause that.
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 07:15 AM
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Default Re: Torque Converter Issue (TRWSD90)

A stock torque convertor is about $100.

The GM book time is about 5 hours to R&R a torque convertor.

We need more info about why you think it is a TC issue.

Vic

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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 09:12 AM
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Default Re: Torque Converter Issue (TRWSD90)

Car drastically slows down and chugs if it is in drive (D) and I let off the accelerator when cruising 45 - 65 MPH....If I am going the same speed (45 - 65) and I put the car into neutral, it coasts along just fine (no significant loss of speed or chugging)....Hope this helps clarify
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 09:18 AM
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Default Re: Torque Converter Issue (Vic'89)

Vic,

Not sure it is a Torque Converter issue - Something is trying to slow the car down - I was hoping there was an easy check to see if I could rule the TC out

Car drastically slows down and chugs if it is in drive (D) and I let off the accelerator when cruising 45 - 65 MPH....If I am going the same speed (45 - 65) and I put the car into neutral, it coasts along just fine (no significant loss of speed or chugging)....Hope this helps clarify
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 12:52 PM
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Default Re: Torque Converter Issue (csc67)

When you are in that 35-65mph range, does it buck like crazy when you try to maintain a certain speed? Or, if you set the cruise control, does the thottle go up and down evrey 2 or 3 seconds?
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 07:48 PM
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Default Re: Torque Converter Issue (csc67)

the torque converter is locked.......your gonna slow down pretty good :)
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Old Jun 27, 2003 | 07:38 AM
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Default Re: Torque Converter Issue (War Machine)

If I'm 'on the gas' or using cruise control it runs just fine.....When I let off the accelerator and start coasting is when the chugging issues arise....The rate of deceleration is 2 MPH every second
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Old Jun 27, 2003 | 10:38 AM
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Default Re: Torque Converter Issue (csc67)

Gosh I wish I could help more. I assume you are not getting any codes and this chugging issue just started. What you describe is very close to the problem I was having since December. I had more problems though. I would let off the gas and it was like I tossed an anchor out the window, just as you described. Then on another day the trans would feel like I put it in neutral (rpm's dropped from 2k+ rpm to idle rpm) when I let off the gas in OD, just like it would when you press the clutch in on a manual. When I tried to get back on the gas it would buck like a manual when you are in too high a gear at too low a speed until I was at a higher speed. Then yet again on another day it would drive normal. :crazy:

I was getting a lean code (44) that we thought was the MAF because the code 33 popped up w/ the code 44 at the same time, but it turned out to be the O2 sensor, and I eventually lost 3-4 on the trans. I replaced the O2, rebuilt the trans and installed a Vigilante 2800 while I was at it. All those problems disappeared except for 1 time last week I did get a MAF code (33). When I got that code the rpms dropped again like before. I can't tell if it's that same nuetral problem though b/c of the new stall.

I don't know if I could rule out any part of the trans as your problem.
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