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Correct me if I am wrong, but a torque converter is only helpful when I nail it from a stop. It allows the rpm's to go higher before the wheels start moving. I am thinking about going to 3.73's from my 2.73's but not a converter. I do not really plan on racing people from a stop. However I do want better acceleration hence the gears. Even now I don't ever put the pedal to the floor when I want to take off, I slightly ease into it but at a fast rate. Will a TC help in this situation? Does it actually increase the torque felt at the wheels (just like better gears)?
A high stall converter will also help acceleration from a roll and once at speed. The higher shift extension will help you stay in the powerband. If your unsure what shift extension is, it's the amount of RPMs your engine drops between gear changes. A higher shift extension will drop less rpms.
You say you want better performance and you're not going to race it. I think the gears will give you all you want. I would only do the converter if you were interested in drag racing.
I have this setup(3.73gears/stockTC) and I love it.You will feel a increase in performance in all gears.You will think you have a new car.This is the way it should have been built IMHO.
Re: Question about Torque Converters. (yankeevetteconvert)
Hey Richard,
GM must think the ol timers just want to cruise in style. I'm with you. I didn't buy a Vette to just look good on the street. I put a 3.42 in mine. Next one will be a 6 speed with a 4.10, I don't care how much she bit-hes. :D
[QUOTE]I would only do the converter if you were interested in drag racing
I gotta agree with ya' there. :yesnod:
:D
I would recommend a T/C even if you are not going to be drag racing. There is no question that gears will help your cars performance. But a good T/C will help it even more, if you are not going to be racing a converter with a mild stall (2800-3200RPM) will make a dramatic difference in your cars performance without hurting your cars driveabilty. :cheers:
Even now I don't ever put the pedal to the floor when I want to take off, I slightly ease into it but at a fast rate.
Since I put in the combination of 3.73's and 2900 stall Pro Torque, I have the opposite problem ... I can't stop putting the pedal to the floor! :reddevil
A high stall TC will not only increase performance from a stand still, it will also help when passing. It will slip the transmission and keep your engine in the peak power band until it finally locks up at which point it acts just like a stock setup. But the car will feel "looser" on the street since it will take more throttle before the car begins to move. Basically it will feel like your trans is slipping until you get moving. But when you nail it, you can really feel the torque going to the wheels because your engine is already at a better RPM for pulling hard. The obvious question is, why would you need the better 1/4 mile performance is you're not racing?
IF you never have your foot in it, you will NEVER feel the benefit of a high stall. You may actually dislike the looseness around town. But if you're changing the gears, that's the time to do it and pay once. Why don't you try drivning someone else first and see what you think before taking the plunge? Good Luck!