Torque Converter Question

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Dec 11, 2004 | 11:35 AM

Icemanskis

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Melting Slicks

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From: New York NY

Cruise-In VI Veteran

St. Jude Donor '05

Torque Converter Question

What are some of the preferred brands for c5 torque converters? Are the gains noticable without other driveline modifications on an A4? Also, how easy is the install? Thanks a lot.

Dec 11, 2004 | 11:49 AM

Mitch C

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Joined: Jun 2001

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From: Davie Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icemanskis

What are some of the preferred brands for c5 torque converters? Are the gains noticable without other driveline modifications on an A4? Also, how easy is the install? Thanks a lot.

Yank is by far the most popular brand with C5 owners. With Vig being second most popular. What exactly do you mean by other driveline mods? If you are comparing a C5 to what has to be done to an f body to get it to launch, nothing really has to be done to a C5s rear suspension to get good performance. Because the tranny is located in the rear swapping converters is more involved than on an F Body. If you don't have a lift I would not tackled the job.

Dec 11, 2004 | 12:07 PM

Icemanskis

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2004

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From: New York NY

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St. Jude Donor '05

any ideas as to the estimated labor costs?

Dec 11, 2004 | 12:16 PM

Mitch C

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jun 2001

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From: Davie Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icemanskis

any ideas as to the estimated labor costs?

I paid 500.00 to swap my T/C & rear end. Figure from 300.00-400.00 to swap just the T/C.

Dec 11, 2004 | 12:34 PM

JSTAN

Drifting

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 1,255

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From: Holliston MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icemanskis

any ideas as to the estimated labor costs?

I bought a used SY3500 from a CF member for $450 bucks. When I installed the converter I also installed the following:

Transgo shift kit - $100.
Used 3.42's from another CF member for $800
Tranny Cooler $30
LS1 edit - $450
New Seals and Gaskets for 3.42's - $200
Tranny and diff fluid - $100

I installed everything myself so labor was free. I would assume a shop may charge you just for the converter swap maybe $500 - $700 and maybe another $100 - $300 if the transgo shif kit, tranny cooler install and gear swap for labor.

Plus you could recoupe some of the cost if you sold your old gears, specifically if the are 3.15's. I sold mine for $350.

The differnence in how the car drives is night and day.

I have taken it to the track and my best time is 12.8@109 using those crappy run flats. I see you live in Springfield, I live in Millis MA. If I had my car still on the road I would give you a ride so you could feel the difference.

Dec 12, 2004 | 07:58 AM

kirbyloid

Safety Car

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 4,550

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From: Houston Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icemanskis

What are some of the preferred brands for c5 torque converters? Are the gains noticable without other driveline modifications on an A4? Also, how easy is the install? Thanks a lot.

I had a Yank SS3200 installed at the same time as 3.73 gears, the combination is great. I would however suggest removing Torque Management if you go the route I did it really made a difference in the feel of the TC after I removed it. I would suggest though no matter what you choose find someone that has a car setup like you want and take a ride, always welcome to ride in mine if you find yourself in the area.
Good Luck, Kirby

Dec 12, 2004 | 09:27 AM

Mike04

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Joined: Jun 2004

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From: Bella Vista Ca

Yank and Vigilante are popular. I highly recommend you ride with someone who has the TC you are thinking about first, you may or may not like it.

I would look into haveing your torque management removed. The difference in the low end response and the shifts are huge!

Dec 13, 2004 | 12:02 AM

Face

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 5,294

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From: Suffolk, Long Island NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icemanskis

What are some of the preferred brands for c5 torque converters? Are the gains noticable without other driveline modifications on an A4?

Yank seems to be the most popular. Gains can be mild to wild depending on the stall and STR you go with. You can expect anywhere from a .3 to .7 reduction in E.T. at the track depending on which converter and your other mods.