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Torque Converter Looseness--EXPLAIN!!

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Old Nov 10, 2004 | 04:12 PM
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Default Torque Converter Looseness--EXPLAIN!!

Just trying to get my arms around what is meant by looseness when describing TC performance. I recently had a 2800 TC installed along with 3.42s and the performance is outstanding. Just so I will know if I even experience it......What is looseness!?? Whatever it is doesn't sound good.

Also is it experienced more with lower rated converters like wthe 2800 vs 3500?? Again, please educate me on this!

Thanks guys
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Old Nov 10, 2004 | 05:22 PM
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When you here this term all it refers to is the stall on your converter. For example a stock converter is tight at 1000 rpm's and a 3500 is loose. That's the idea behind the term, maybe it came from the idea that you can date a loose woman and have a better chance at scoring with her.
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Old Nov 10, 2004 | 06:43 PM
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The term loose when used with torque converters is subjective. It's the amount of pedal pressure that determines how loose the converter feels. Generally, the bigger the stall the more gas it takes to get moving and the looser the converter feels.
But when talking about the looseness of the converter, you also have to look at the stall torque ratio and gears. The more gear you run the tighter the aftermarket TC will feel. It works the same way with stall torque ratio, the higher the STR the tighter the TC will feel. The lower the STR, the looser the TC will feel.
I'm running a TCI 4400 w/2.85 STR in my 01 Z with 3.23's. It feels fine to me but to alot of other people, it might feel loose. If your looking into one, I would definitely do it...converters own! Hope this helps.




Brian
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Old Nov 10, 2004 | 07:00 PM
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If it takes half of the throttle pedal to get your car moving, its loose.
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Old Nov 10, 2004 | 07:13 PM
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with the above. Also if you are on a hill and come off the brake it will tend to roll backwards. Parallel parking, if you do that, will require more thought, and going into reverse, the car won't move till you get into the gas pedal.

Overall, the car won't creep at idle when you come off the brake, and you will have to give it more gas pedal to get it moving in start and stop traffic.
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Old Nov 11, 2004 | 03:26 AM
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Originally Posted by HotLaperC5
What is looseness!?? Whatever it is doesn't sound good.
With the stock converter, a little throttle jumped me off the line. With a Vigilante 3000, a little throttle felt like the parking brake was dragging. Half throttle rev'd the motor and the car accellerated gently. Full throttle had the car sideways.

With a loud blower, BOV and loud exhaust (due to stage 2 heads), a high stall can get old quick in commute traffic. It's like always driving next to a flatbed tow truck.

I had the Vigilante restalled to 2600 when I had my FLP-L5 rebuilt. Muuuch better now.
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Old Nov 11, 2004 | 05:21 AM
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From: Davie Florida
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Originally Posted by BrianTSP
The term loose when used with torque converters is subjective. It's the amount of pedal pressure that determines how loose the converter feels. Generally, the bigger the stall the more gas it takes to get moving and the looser the converter feels.
But when talking about the looseness of the converter, you also have to look at the stall torque ratio and gears. The more gear you run the tighter the aftermarket TC will feel. It works the same way with stall torque ratio, the higher the STR the tighter the TC will feel. The lower the STR, the looser the TC will feel.
I'm running a TCI 4400 w/2.85 STR in my 01 Z with 3.23's. It feels fine to me but to alot of other people, it might feel loose. If your looking into one, I would definitely do it...converters own! Hope this helps.




Brian
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Old Nov 11, 2004 | 07:55 AM
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Originally Posted by wallstAL
If it takes half of the throttle pedal to get your car moving, its loose.
Definitely!

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