OK I know this has been on here a lot but here it goes. With my current mods, and 3.42's going in what would be the best torque converter for my application? Also should I install the transgo while Im at it? I am really looking to keep that stock feel, but want that extra punch when I hit it. Keep in mind I am currently on runflats. When they are worn out I will be going to non runflats. But as far as mods go this will be about it.

 

OK I know this has been on here a lot but here it goes.
Yep, so here we go. For mostly street I would do the SY3500. I went with the Transgo and one shim. I set trans line pressure to my liking and the car feels a little firmer driving normally. At 50% TP and up it shifts fast and firm. The reason I like 1 shim is you can soften or harden shifts. More than 1 shim and you can't really get it soft enough for my taste. I love it and never tire of how good it runs. :yesnod: :steering: :yesnod:

 

If you want to ultimate expert advice on converter and transgo, than Vince Stella (VStella) is your man to ask! He has had the most experience on the forum that I know, dealing with TC and shiftkits! I've met him in person, and is very knowledgable on this topic! :thumbs:

 

Shift kit, a SY 3500 and you are all set. I have had this combo for more than 2 years now and I am still super happy with it. :cheers:

 

The SY3500 and 3.42s are a great street combo, that would also be my pick. Before you spend $300.00+ installing a shift kit, checkout the Yank Conveters web site under F.A.Q. YANK DOES NOT RECOMMEND USING SHIFT KITS WITH THEIR CONVERTERS. Since you will need to reprogram your computer for the 3.42 gears have your shift points firmed up at the same time and spend the money you save on another mod.


98 A4
Donaldson Blackwing
Cartek Stage 2 Heads
Cartek M Cam
LS6 Inatake
TPIS Headers
Underdrive Pulley
Comp Push Rods
Rev 1116 valve Springs
Borla Exhaust
Hurst Line Lock
ST3500
3.73 Gears
B&M Trans Cooler
LS1 Edit Tuning





[Modified by MC98, 11:39 AM 2/5/2003]

 

As an owner of a SY3500 I'm allowed a potentially dissenting opinion. :) I'm betting that if you say you want to keep the stock feel that you'd be happier with something like a PT2400.

Every day I get to listen to a few extra RPM courtesy of my converter. Some days it's more annoying than others. Usually bothers the neighbors more than me. It's not an unbearably loose pedal at all (tighter than many as I run 3.73s) but it's not exactly stock either. You get used to it very quickly, but it is different (and you will notice it if you hop back into a stock converter car.)

My suggestion would be, as always, to try to get a ride in a setup like you are considering (and even in some your not) with the goal being to reevaluate whether you really want a stock like feel or something else. If you change you mind about that, the SY may be just the ticket. ;)

 

For a stock feel, go with a yank 3000. I put the 3000 in with my 3.15's and it was loose nothing like stock. I just put 3.42's in the back and now its better than stock. My father has a 02 A4 C5 with 2.73 and my vet drives better than his around town. with the 3.42 around 1800 rpm gets you moving around town. It used to be 2400 with the 3.15's. Also, you get less wheel spin on launches because the converter grabs at a lower rpm, less power. With the 3000 and 3.15's flooring it in 1st gear caused nothing but wheel spin. Now I get a little wheel spin and it pins you to the back of your seat!

I hope this helps.

 

My first consideration with a selection of the T/C will be the cars use.. :rolleyes: If your looking for more piunch on the street and once in a while at the track..You would do well with a Pro Torque 2800 / Yank 3000 / Vigilante 2800...Plenty of punch there for you with 3.42's. :yesnod:

The second consieration will be to match the T/C to the cam's performance range. For instance if your not going the H/C route than again the above combo's will work well with great streetability and godd responsive power on the street. Either way..the Transgo shift kit is the way to go!! I haven't been in,driven in or driven ANY car with PCM programming to the transmission line pressure from anyone that matches the crisp.quick and sure shifts of the Transgo..PERIOD! I have it in my car WITH a SS3800..It's tight and runs great!! Now...

if your thinking down the road you want to drag race and need a good compromise for street/strip..then we need to talk about higher stall converters and higher stall rate? I'm very impressed with the SS series from Yank..You really should talk with Mike Senia at Yank for guidance as well.

I've had 3 converters in my car with 4 PCM programs and rebuilt the transmission..I've been there! Take advantage of my learning experience ,talk with the tuners and vendors that are in the KNOWand make an informed decision..Best of luck!:D

 

Before you spend $300.00+ installing a shift kit, checkout the Yank Conveters web site under F.A.Q. YANK DOES NOT RECOMMEND USING SHIFT KITS WITH THEIR CONVERTERS.
Why they say this for reasons other than warranty flexibility is hard for me to fathom.
One feature of installing the Transgo that I have not seen mentioned is the ability with Transgo to firm up and speed up shifts by shift point. Changing line pressure using a tuning tool will change all shifts equally. We know that each shift does not shift the same in a stock situation. Therefore the change in line pressure will leave you with unequal shifts.Not sufficient for me.

 

Looseness is very subjective. I have a SY3500 and 3.15 rear, some people here cringe at the thought of how loose it is.:rolleyes: I wish I would have gone with a SY4000 after a few days with this setup.
Yes it's looser than stock, but I don't find it annoying in any way, my trans fluid temps are the same as they were with the stock converter, and IMO it didn't take away from driveabilty at all. Plus it took a half second off my E.T. :cheers:
Take a look over at LS1tech.com, there's guys there running 4,000+ stalls with 3.23 gears. :eek:
Take a ride in someone else's car who has a converter/rear done, and decide from there. :cheers: