Need advice - diff or torque converter
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 0
Need advice - diff or torque converter
Hello
I have a 01 automatic and would like more power out of the hole. For nothing more than to burn the tires. It has the 2.7 gears, am I betting off to change the ratio or put in a stall converter.
Or am I completely out to lunch and should do something else?
Thanks
I have a 01 automatic and would like more power out of the hole. For nothing more than to burn the tires. It has the 2.7 gears, am I betting off to change the ratio or put in a stall converter.
Or am I completely out to lunch and should do something else?
Thanks
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 79
Likes: 1
From: Irvine CA
St. Jude Donor '09
I have an 04 auto and changed from 2.73 to 3.42, no torque converter will substitute for lower gears. You need a diff AND a converter and you will be really happy.
I only did the diff and it was like an extra 50 HP.
Bill
I only did the diff and it was like an extra 50 HP.
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff Az.
Do them both at the same time as the labor to change the converter is usually a $100 or less since everything is on the floor. You can find a set if used 3:42's(Z06 guys take them out) and shop around at reputable sources for a used converter. Andy at A&A sold me a used Yank he had taken out. 
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
I did both 3.42's and a Yank SS3200 converter and it really made a significant difference. Drivability is unchanged but it is much quicker. I can burn the tires at will.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...571&highlight=
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...571&highlight=
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 21
From: Marlton. Increasing performance one speeding ticket at a time! NJ
I did both 3.42's and a Yank SS3200 converter and it really made a significant difference. Drivability is unchanged but it is much quicker. I can burn the tires at will.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...571&highlight=
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...571&highlight=
Gears only shift the applied power, so while fun on the street, you will not appreciably pick up and 1/4 mile time. Sure, it will be more fun to drive though.
That's where the TC comes in. Going with something like a Yank SS3200 you can't tell its there. Until you use it. A good TC will knock at least 1/2 sec off your 1/4 times. 3.42's and SS3200 are a perfect combo for the street.
As others said, do them at the same time to save labor.
Last edited by nj02vette; Oct 23, 2008 at 09:00 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 0
Hi
I am on the fence about changing the converter. I just bought a used 3.42 diff. Did you notice a big difference hammering it from a stop? The 2.73 barely squeel the tires, I would like to do a decent burn out.
Thanks
I am on the fence about changing the converter. I just bought a used 3.42 diff. Did you notice a big difference hammering it from a stop? The 2.73 barely squeel the tires, I would like to do a decent burn out.
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 34
From: King George Virginia
Last edited by 08 ATOMIC-Z; Oct 30, 2008 at 11:20 AM. Reason: More info
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 17
From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
One of the first changes I made back in 98 when I bought my car was to dump the 2.73 for a 3.42 axle.
Believe me when I tell you it was night and day difference, great bang for the buck.
Now one thing that gets lost on this forum is not everybody is out to make their car a 11.0 sec car.
I had a plan to go FI later so I skipped doing the converter knowing I would be replacing the trans at some point and I'm glad I did.
Because now I can speak from experience about making the change with and without changing the converter.
I have since gone to a 2600 stall Vig. converter and love it, but it won't be everyone's thing I'm sure.
So my advise is to plan what you want out of your car first then make your decision based on that.
Personally I think many people out there put way to loose of converters in their cars for their usage.
JMHO.
Believe me when I tell you it was night and day difference, great bang for the buck.
Now one thing that gets lost on this forum is not everybody is out to make their car a 11.0 sec car.
I had a plan to go FI later so I skipped doing the converter knowing I would be replacing the trans at some point and I'm glad I did.
Because now I can speak from experience about making the change with and without changing the converter.
I have since gone to a 2600 stall Vig. converter and love it, but it won't be everyone's thing I'm sure.
So my advise is to plan what you want out of your car first then make your decision based on that.
Personally I think many people out there put way to loose of converters in their cars for their usage.
JMHO.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 816
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown Indiana
One of the first changes I made back in 98 when I bought my car was to dump the 2.73 for a 3.42 axle.
Believe me when I tell you it was night and day difference, great bang for the buck.
Now one thing that gets lost on this forum is not everybody is out to make their car a 11.0 sec car.
I had a plan to go FI later so I skipped doing the converter knowing I would be replacing the trans at some point and I'm glad I did.
Because now I can speak from experience about making the change with and without changing the converter.
I have since gone to a 2600 stall Vig. converter and love it, but it won't be everyone's thing I'm sure.
So my advise is to plan what you want out of your car first then make your decision based on that.
Personally I think many people out there put way to loose of converters in their cars for their usage.
JMHO.
Believe me when I tell you it was night and day difference, great bang for the buck.
Now one thing that gets lost on this forum is not everybody is out to make their car a 11.0 sec car.
I had a plan to go FI later so I skipped doing the converter knowing I would be replacing the trans at some point and I'm glad I did.
Because now I can speak from experience about making the change with and without changing the converter.
I have since gone to a 2600 stall Vig. converter and love it, but it won't be everyone's thing I'm sure.
So my advise is to plan what you want out of your car first then make your decision based on that.
Personally I think many people out there put way to loose of converters in their cars for their usage.
JMHO.
Im FI and getting ready to put a new transmission in the c5. What did you like about the converter and would you stay with the 2600 ot go to a difference size. I do not drag but may want to someday, besides that its not a DD but I do like to have fun when I drive it. Thank you
Racer
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
From: Metamora IL
I'd say tq converter FIRST. Prolly a yank4000. Also if you are going through the trouble to take it all apart, maybe just get a used diff w gears to swap and sell yers back as a core. Shouldn't be TOO pricey.
to 
immediately. The stall converter can really slam you back into the seat. 
