For the longest time, I've kept my stock 3.15 gears and stock converter because I didn't want to lose any top end MPH. For alot of people, they normally don't ever get to see their top end speed so getting 3.73s or even 4.10 gears is a no brainer. For the last few years, I've had the opportunity to participate in closed road course events where I've had the chance to approach my top end speed. Gears would be a big no for me since I would be trading in top end mph for a few tenths at the drag strip. I'm curious though, would swapping my torque converter also effect top end speed??

Lets say I installed a Yank 3200 and kept my 3.15 gears. I would most likely see better 60' times at the drag strip but would I be sacrificing MPH's at top speed?? From what I've read about torque converters, having a higher stall will multiply the torque transferred from the engine to the wheels but also reduces efficiency in HP through the drivetrain. What would that mean at Top end Speed?? I'm curious to see what people think.

Obviously, Adding more engine mods would solve all problems but I'm very happy with my current setup but would like to touch the 11's where with my current setup (you can see in my sig), my best has been 12.2. If it means sacrificing top end speed, I would rather keep my quarter mile times as is.

 

I don't think a torque converter will effect top speed. Definitely 60' times though and 1/4 mile times.

 

well i know if you had a turbo 400 and put in a higher stall convertor you would loose top end mph. but with our electroncially controled trans and convertor there might not be any loss since the convertor locks up. But I would call yank if you want their convertor and see what they say.

 

My 97' with a 3800 stall 2.1 str & 3.73 gears ran 165+ on the VIR back straight........ and gives 1.47 60's

 

Once it goes into "LOCK-UP" your top speed will be the same, maybe better because of it being smaller and less weight to spin!

It certainly will help in the 1/4 mile! I've got a YANK 3200 and it is awesome at top speed!

Thanks,Matt

 

 

not true. The C5 is HP limited on top end... not gearing. You can't "tach out" on an A4 with 3.15; you'll run out of thrust (needed to push the air out of the way) - before you would hit 6500rpm in 4th gear.

And like mentioned earlier, with lockup convertors... top end is not limited by higher stall models.

If you want a little more oooomph with a friendly convertor upgrade, check out my post:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1715694

this convertor is a fave amongst the auto-cross/road course crowd (or so I was told).

 

You will definitely see a gain in acceleration times and you will see quicker faster top end times with a lower ratio rear end. As posted above, a stock 346 does not have the power to max out a 3:15 rear. I run a 3500 stall with a 3:42 which runs about 2600 RPM at 80 MPH, so 160 MPH comes at a little over 5,000 RPM and there are few road courses where you could have the room to run the 180-185 6000 RPM would produce.

 

my 3.73's and SS3200 stall got me to 165 MPH this summer before I decided I'd had enough (closed course, of course )