why not an adjustable TC?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 572
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From: kansas city KS
why not an adjustable TC?
I'm sure there is a good reason, perhaps beyond my non-existent mechanical acumen - but what is preventing the development of an adjustable TC, that you could adjust STR and stall speed for different conditinos without swapping in a new unit. Seems like it would be wildly popular given the number of 'which TC is right for me...' posts you see, and number of guys that end up going bigger, etc. Any thoughts?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 21
From: Roswell GA
Re: why not an adjustable TC? (cliffkh)
There is a web site that has "How things work" and it has a nice section on torque converts. The specs of when it stalls and what the str is are not exact measurements. Also they are variable already just depends on how hard you push it it. It will stall different for a 300 hp car than a 400 ho car.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Torrington CT
Re: why not an adjustable TC? (cliffkh)
I beleive that KenneBell sold a variable stator toque converter for Buick applications during their very popular period in the late 80s. However, their website has no such infoation at this time.
I guess that drag racing just isn't popular enough to warrant special parts like this. Plus, the advent of the lock up torque converter at least allows very efficient operation once you are at cruising speed.
L :seeya
I guess that drag racing just isn't popular enough to warrant special parts like this. Plus, the advent of the lock up torque converter at least allows very efficient operation once you are at cruising speed.
L :seeya
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco CA
Re: why not an adjustable TC? (tipcapman)
The original Turbo Hydramatic 400 that was in the big Buicks starting about 1963 had a variable pitch stator. The other GM divisions used a fixed stator. After a few years, Buick went to a fixed stator as well.
I beleive that KenneBell sold a variable stator toque converter for Buick applications during their very popular period in the late 80s. However, their website has no such infoation at this time.
I guess that drag racing just isn't popular enough to warrant special parts like this. Plus, the advent of the lock up torque converter at least allows very efficient operation once you are at cruising speed.
L :seeya
I guess that drag racing just isn't popular enough to warrant special parts like this. Plus, the advent of the lock up torque converter at least allows very efficient operation once you are at cruising speed.
L :seeya
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 572
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From: kansas city KS
Re: why not an adjustable TC? (SFVetteman)
so something similar has been done before? is there a market demand for a variable TC?
I had this vision in mind being able to turn a wrench or turn a dial and go from a Y3000 TC characteristic to a ST4000 - or somewhere in the middle.
I had this vision in mind being able to turn a wrench or turn a dial and go from a Y3000 TC characteristic to a ST4000 - or somewhere in the middle.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Torrington CT
Re: why not an adjustable TC? (cliffkh)
KH...
I am really not that familar with it... apparently it didn't catch on, because despite the application to the powerful Buick Turbos of the mid to late 80s, I am not aware of it having other applications.
As you know, there has been a ton of development work done in other areas of power transmission for over the road vehicles. Personally, I think of high stall speed torque converters as a drag race fringe application, so there probably is not a big enough market to justify development. :crazy:
I am really not that familar with it... apparently it didn't catch on, because despite the application to the powerful Buick Turbos of the mid to late 80s, I am not aware of it having other applications.
As you know, there has been a ton of development work done in other areas of power transmission for over the road vehicles. Personally, I think of high stall speed torque converters as a drag race fringe application, so there probably is not a big enough market to justify development. :crazy:
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 125
Likes: 1
From: Va
Re: why not an adjustable TC? (alexWS6)
I agree, definitely a topic that has probably never been beaten to death!
Maybe GM can use the same technology they are using in the 04 C5 shocks in the torque converters, to be able to manipulate the viscosity of the fluid, and perhaps in conjunction with using variable angled blades in the torque converter! I am sure that would be a cheap tranny option...
Maybe GM can use the same technology they are using in the 04 C5 shocks in the torque converters, to be able to manipulate the viscosity of the fluid, and perhaps in conjunction with using variable angled blades in the torque converter! I am sure that would be a cheap tranny option...
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