3.42 without Stall
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 1
From: Kingsport TN
I did my A4 swap w/ a 3.42 and kept the stock converter. It was very nice, but I do regret not getting a 2800 or 3000 stall converter put in for a bonus effect.
I was able to reprogram my pcm shifting w/ a Predator programmer, but it was painful. I bought it a couple years ago when I did this and at that time the Predator didn't have the right software to reprogram my pcm accurately. I ended up having to go to Radio Shack to buy an adaptor and power source to download from my computer a custom tune emailed to me by Diablosport. Once I downloaded that info I was able to program my pcm properly and it worked fine after that. However it took a little time trying to call them/email them to get it for free (as it should have had this software already in it).
I don't know now if they are any better w/ the new Predators, but if I were to do it all over again, I'd definitely have either a tuner do it for me +/- dyno tune at the same time (which adds $$ to your costs), or last choice would be buying a programming tool in which hp tuners seems the best bang for the buck and likely effective the 1st go around. I'd rec u contacting hp tuner 1st before buying to see if their software will accomodate u.
I was able to reprogram my pcm shifting w/ a Predator programmer, but it was painful. I bought it a couple years ago when I did this and at that time the Predator didn't have the right software to reprogram my pcm accurately. I ended up having to go to Radio Shack to buy an adaptor and power source to download from my computer a custom tune emailed to me by Diablosport. Once I downloaded that info I was able to program my pcm properly and it worked fine after that. However it took a little time trying to call them/email them to get it for free (as it should have had this software already in it).
I don't know now if they are any better w/ the new Predators, but if I were to do it all over again, I'd definitely have either a tuner do it for me +/- dyno tune at the same time (which adds $$ to your costs), or last choice would be buying a programming tool in which hp tuners seems the best bang for the buck and likely effective the 1st go around. I'd rec u contacting hp tuner 1st before buying to see if their software will accomodate u.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 34
From: St. Louis Missouri
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 10
From: Monticello MN
If you're changing gears anyway, the extra for a torque converter changeout is very minimal. And, in any event, you're planning on,a torque converter switchout anyway. If you think the 3.42s are something, hang a Yank SS3200 in there. It's a very mild, very tight, converter. It's not loose like the older ones used to be. It will drive like stock and you won't believe the performance difference. Find someone who has one and go for a ride. Good luck with whatever you decide to do! 
Ed
Ed
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 436
Likes: 1
From: Gatineau Quebec
If you're changing gears anyway, the extra for a torque converter changeout is very minimal. And, in any event, you're planning on,a torque converter switchout anyway. If you think the 3.42s are something, hang a Yank SS3200 in there. It's a very mild, very tight, converter. It's not loose like the older ones used to be. It will drive like stock and you won't believe the performance difference. Find someone who has one and go for a ride. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
Ed
Ed
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 455
Likes: 11
From: Clovis CA
I put a set of 3.42 gears in with no Stall. I don't drag race the car at all and was not looking for all out performance. The reason I didn't install a Stall is because I didn't want the added heat and transmission slippage that comes along with it. Don't get me wrong, for all out performance at a drag strip I would have went with a Stall, but for a car used mainly for cruising and pleasure it isn't worth it too me. Going from 2.73 to 3.42 without a Stall was exactly the extra acceleration I was looking for.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
I have a baby cam on a 98 C5 A4 (221 @ 114) and don't have a stall converter---I' sure it would be faster with one and it is someimes difficult to hold at a stop because the brakes won't hold at the higher required idle(900).But I've gotten used to it and it works fine--I'm sure at some point I will install one but it is drivable without one.
I have a 224/224 cam and idles at 800 RPM and don't have a stall converter with 3:42 gears..no problem car runs great.Just have a tunner to change for the 3:42s.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 10
From: Monticello MN
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Brookfield WI
I've got an A4 w/3.42 and stock TC. Driving is great and I don't feel like I'm missing much on performance. I have a H/C with headers (423 rwhp, 391 rwtq) and the tires spin too much as it is. But, even with just a very mild cam and headers (367 rwhp and 356 rwtq) the tires were spinning quite a bit. Below is a video that might give you a better idea of the performance.
http://www.comp-soln.com/Chips_C5-lowres.mov
Anyway, I'm completely satisfied with the stock TC and 3.42 gears.
http://www.comp-soln.com/Chips_C5-lowres.mov
Anyway, I'm completely satisfied with the stock TC and 3.42 gears.
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 536
Likes: 3
From: bel air md
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Urbana IL
I just put a 3.42 rear-end in my '02, with automatic. What a change! (I cannot believe Chevy puts 2.73's in these things!) I'm very happy with it, and did not do the higher-stall TC. DynoTech (Fort Wayne, IN) did the work, by the way. Top notch people. Phil saw no need to change out the TC, for my kind of driving (just an everyday guy having fun with my Vette).
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 10
From: Simi Valley CA