Do torque converters help anything other than your launch?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Cary, NC
Do torque converters help anything other than your launch?
What effect, if any, does changing to a Yank3000 (for example) have on how the C5 drives, once you're already moving? Is acceleration from a moving start improved, or is it all about better launches for the 1/4 mile?
How about when you punch it from 70mph? Any changes there?
Are there any downsides to changing to another converter? I see a lot of posts saying how great they are, but if there are no downsides, why wouldn't GM use a better one from the start? There must be something you lose when going with a different one.
Thanks.
How about when you punch it from 70mph? Any changes there?
Are there any downsides to changing to another converter? I see a lot of posts saying how great they are, but if there are no downsides, why wouldn't GM use a better one from the start? There must be something you lose when going with a different one.
Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,598
Likes: 1
From: Plano TX
Re: Do torque converters help anything other than your launch? (FarmerBob2001)
It depends on how you drive your car and what you consider performance. The stock A4 and converter can be tuned to shift firmer, and different speeds and have different lockup characteristics.
In my opinion, unless you are going to race the car, simply using something like the hypertech or a superchip will make a noticeable SOTP difference and not risk torching the trans. On the other hand, if you're going to race/hammer the car, an aftermarket TC is an excellent investment as it can actually prolong the life of the transmission as it helps buffer the torque shock from high power antics and racing.
It is typically in a stage II performance upgrade that we do on A4's at Speedworks.
In my opinion, unless you are going to race the car, simply using something like the hypertech or a superchip will make a noticeable SOTP difference and not risk torching the trans. On the other hand, if you're going to race/hammer the car, an aftermarket TC is an excellent investment as it can actually prolong the life of the transmission as it helps buffer the torque shock from high power antics and racing.
It is typically in a stage II performance upgrade that we do on A4's at Speedworks.
Racer
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: 26 NM out the 304 radial of the ORD VOR Illinois
Re: Do torque converters help anything other than your launch? (FarmerBob2001)
I have wondered about this also. Seems like after the 1-2 and the 2-3 shift, the RPM does not drop so low that the T/C would be a big help. From a launch, there is a small window after hookup, where the higher RPM would help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,419
Likes: 0
From: Arlington TX
Re: Do torque converters help anything other than your launch? (K&B Motorsports)
Bill,
Are there no vendors from Speedworks on the forum? I had a couple of questions but never have a chance to call.
Are there no vendors from Speedworks on the forum? I had a couple of questions but never have a chance to call.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Cary, NC
Re: Do torque converters help anything other than your launch? (los7883)
So, are higher stall speed torque converters any benefit from a rolling start? If all you do is race from 40mph (for example), is there any point in replacing the stock converter? My gut says no, but I'd like to hear a technical explanation of why it would or would not be a benefit.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Cary, NC
Re: Do torque converters help anything other than your launch? (Buckmaster)
OK. So, it sounds like there might be some benefit after all. When does the torque multiplication effect end? Does it only stop when the converter locks up? When does it lock up, a certain rpm, or does it depend on different things?
BTW, anyone know the str, stall speed, lock-up rpm, etc. of the stock converter?
BTW, anyone know the str, stall speed, lock-up rpm, etc. of the stock converter?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,407
Likes: 0
From: My barber didn't know when to quit... Do you?
Re: Do torque converters help anything other than your launch? (FarmerBob2001)
Oh yeah, the hihger the stall, the more effective it will be from a roll.
Read all about it. http://www.ocnverter.cc
Read all about it. http://www.ocnverter.cc
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,020
Likes: 0
From: Union City CA
Re: Do torque converters help anything other than your launch? (2000^C5)
Oh yeah, the hihger the stall, the more effective it will be from a roll.
Read all about it. http://www.ocnverter.cc
Read all about it. http://www.ocnverter.cc
George
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Verdad Gallardo
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 296
Likes: 3
From: Enterprise AL
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Do torque converters help anything other than your launch? (2000^C5)
A high stall TC means that the torque converter stalls, or what will feel like it "hook ups" to the transmission at a higher engine RPM. Typical stock converters stall at around 1200 - 1600 RPM, depending on the car/transmisssion/engine. Having a higher stall converter simply allows the engine to operate at a higher RPM when accelerating from a stop. This higher RPM allows the engine to produce more horsepower and torque while you're trying to get the car moving. This is because as RPM goes up, the potential for horsepower production goes up. This higher stall speed is useful (in most cases) only to get the car moving. Once rolling, the high stall converter will feel no different as long as the engine RPM is above the stall speed. Once below stall speed, and you gas it, the engine will feel like it is unconnected to the tranny until the RPM gets up to the stall speed and then it again "hook up" The down side to a loose converter is heat. Whenever it is slipping, heat is being produced. So, adding a transmission cooler is normally recommended. If you do any 1/4 mile stuff, or stoplight to stoplight challenges, a loose converter provides terrific bang for the buck. But be prepaired to get new tires more often.
Bruce
Bruce
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: My barber didn't know when to quit... Do you?
Re: Do torque converters help anything other than your launch? (Buckmaster)
Transgo shift has arrived! :D
Buck, my kit says for 1998 cars on a sticker on the box, is that what yours says? :confused:
Buck, my kit says for 1998 cars on a sticker on the box, is that what yours says? :confused:
