Transmission Question - A4
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 561
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From: Arlington TX
Transmission Question - A4
My questions are these…
1. How does the torque converter and transmission work. Does it shift 1st through 3rd then to OD and then does the converter lock up? Does the converter lock up prior to OD?
2. Who has a 2500 converter and is it street drivable? I currently have 2.71 gears and will be changing them out to 3.73 or maybe a 3.90. Would like to hear from those of you that have 3.90s in a daily driver A4.
3. Everything I read is that a converter change does not effect highway performance… is that because they “lock-up”? This is my daily driver and will stay that way. I want to be able to take trips without killing the engine or the pocket book in gas.
Thanks for the information in advance and input on the upcoming “mods”
1. How does the torque converter and transmission work. Does it shift 1st through 3rd then to OD and then does the converter lock up? Does the converter lock up prior to OD?
2. Who has a 2500 converter and is it street drivable? I currently have 2.71 gears and will be changing them out to 3.73 or maybe a 3.90. Would like to hear from those of you that have 3.90s in a daily driver A4.
3. Everything I read is that a converter change does not effect highway performance… is that because they “lock-up”? This is my daily driver and will stay that way. I want to be able to take trips without killing the engine or the pocket book in gas.
Thanks for the information in advance and input on the upcoming “mods”
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
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From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
Converters lock up at a specific RPM. I'm not sure of the RPM for stock probably 1500-1800.
I did 3:42s and am very happy.
Personally I'm glad I did not go to 3:73s or higher.
Now I'm 70 mph at 2150 rpm. My stock was 1900 with 3:15s.
If you are stock HP then maybe 3:73s however a new diff is twice the cost of 3:42s. $2400 compared to $1100 for 3:42s.
Next unless you going to 450+ RHWP and max strip performance I would not go to a higher stall converter. If you go to a 2600 converter its not locked up until 2600 rpm. How much driving are you going to do over 2600?
For near stock just do the gears and maybe a trans kit
I did 3:42s and am very happy.
Personally I'm glad I did not go to 3:73s or higher.
Now I'm 70 mph at 2150 rpm. My stock was 1900 with 3:15s.
If you are stock HP then maybe 3:73s however a new diff is twice the cost of 3:42s. $2400 compared to $1100 for 3:42s.
Next unless you going to 450+ RHWP and max strip performance I would not go to a higher stall converter. If you go to a 2600 converter its not locked up until 2600 rpm. How much driving are you going to do over 2600?
For near stock just do the gears and maybe a trans kit
Supporting Tuner
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
A bit of misinformation there. All torque converters "lock up" where you set them to lock up in the tune, if they are lockup TCs (most are). With a non-stock stall, it's usually around 35mph - not at a specific RPM.
I was running a Yank SS3600 stall and 3.90 gears with no worries. It locked up at 37mph.
"Stall speed" and "stall flash" and STR are totally different things. Do a bit of independent research before going off and buying anything - especially performance parts based on personal opinions.
http://www.converter.cc/faq/faq_main.htm is a great site for background information.
EG
I was running a Yank SS3600 stall and 3.90 gears with no worries. It locked up at 37mph.
"Stall speed" and "stall flash" and STR are totally different things. Do a bit of independent research before going off and buying anything - especially performance parts based on personal opinions.
http://www.converter.cc/faq/faq_main.htm is a great site for background information.
EG
Last edited by EG@EnglandGreen; Nov 28, 2006 at 08:11 PM.
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From: We are living in a Bazzaro World everything is upside down half ass backwards !
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08 & '12
3:90s and a 2800 Vig stall 2500 or 2600 at 70 mph . went from 29.5 mpg on highway to 26.5 not a big deal
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
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From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
Do a bit of independent research before going off and buying anything - especially performance parts based on personal opinions.
This is the best advice I have ever seen on the Forum.Also take into consideration how you use the Vette. What's good for somebody else may be the worst thing for you and your style of driving.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,228
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From: Gainesville Georgia
2800 Stall with 3.42 gears are a great combo on my buddys coupe. Even with the 3.42's he has problems getting traction In 1st gear. Its great on the highway for passing also. Plus you will still get decent gas mileage. I.M.H.O That would be the best combo plus some L.T Headers, X-Pipe, Hi-Flow Cats, Cold Air Intake, Ported Throttle Body, Catback System Ect Ect... Then you would have a super powerful Vette
Ditch the Runflats also for better traction.
Best of luck
Ditch the Runflats also for better traction.Best of luck
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
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From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
Even with the 3.42's he has problems getting traction In 1st gear.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Arlington TX
Originally Posted by Vega$Vette
This is the best advice I have ever seen on the Forum.Also take into consideration how you use the Vette. What's good for somebody else may be the worst thing for you and your style of driving.
Sgt Paul
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 561
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From: Arlington TX
so let me get this right..
Originally Posted by 528rwhp02Zo6
2800 Stall with 3.42 gears are a great combo on my buddys coupe. Even with the 3.42's he has problems getting traction In 1st gear. Its great on the highway for passing also. Plus you will still get decent gas mileage. I.M.H.O That would be the best combo plus some L.T Headers, X-Pipe, Hi-Flow Cats, Cold Air Intake, Ported Throttle Body, Catback System Ect Ect... Then you would have a super powerful Vette Ditch the Runflats also for better traction.
Best of luck
Ditch the Runflats also for better traction.Best of luck
I agree this is a great way to go... And from what EG is saying, in the tune you set the TC to lock up at a specific speed... not RPM.
Sgt Paul