C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Torque converter

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 13, 2020 | 11:14 AM
  #1  
jamieo's Avatar
jamieo
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,017
Likes: 791
From: Tollesboro Kentucky
Default Torque converter

I noticed yesterday that my torque converter doesn't seem to lock while at cruising speed.I installed a new battery and on the first drive it seemed to do what it was supposed to with RPM at about 1200 at 55-60 MPH.After that,they seem to stay at about 13-1400 with it varying alot with just a small touch of the throttle.It may be nothing but I don't remember it doing this before.It seems like the RPM varies with no change in the speed.It isn't slipping and no codes to be found.Car has 48k miles and has never been abused or raced.Am I just paranoid?
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2020 | 12:16 PM
  #2  
grpweld's Avatar
grpweld
Pro
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 610
Likes: 79
From: Fallbrook SanDiego county
Default

What year & tranny?
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2020 | 12:23 PM
  #3  
jamieo's Avatar
jamieo
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,017
Likes: 791
From: Tollesboro Kentucky
Default

2008 6L80e.Sorry,I forgot to add that.

Last edited by jamieo; Dec 13, 2020 at 05:36 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2020 | 12:40 PM
  #4  
grpweld's Avatar
grpweld
Pro
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 610
Likes: 79
From: Fallbrook SanDiego county
Default

Originally Posted by jamieo
2008 4L80e.Sorry,I forgot to add that.
Are you sure?

Should be 6L80e
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2020 | 12:43 PM
  #5  
grpweld's Avatar
grpweld
Pro
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 610
Likes: 79
From: Fallbrook SanDiego county
Default

Have you checked ATF level? the RPM should be rock solid, but maybe the tune has been changed to release under slight throttle pressure
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2020 | 12:44 PM
  #6  
BadAV's Avatar
BadAV
Race Director
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,021
Likes: 3,555
From: Central MO
Default

You lost the "learned" transmission shifting behavior when you disconnected the battery. It takes a while to relearn. The behavior you describe is normal when the converter is not locked. My converter typically doesn't lock in 6th and stay that way until about 65. It unlocks pretty quickly at 55-60 on any additional throttle input on an uphill incline.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2020 | 01:35 PM
  #7  
subfloor@centurytrans's Avatar
subfloor@centurytrans
Supporting Vendor
15 Year Member
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 880
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (track prepared)
2019 C6 of Year Winner (track prepared)
Default

Originally Posted by BadAV
You lost the "learned" transmission shifting behavior when you disconnected the battery. It takes a while to relearn. The behavior you describe is normal when the converter is not locked. My converter typically doesn't lock in 6th and stay that way until about 65. It unlocks pretty quickly at 55-60 on any additional throttle input on an uphill incline.
Learning only applies to shift values, the converter should lock all the time.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2020 | 02:28 PM
  #8  
BadAV's Avatar
BadAV
Race Director
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,021
Likes: 3,555
From: Central MO
Default

Originally Posted by subfloor@centurytrans
Learning only applies to shift values, the converter should lock all the time.
Didn't say anything about it affecting torque converter lock. Just indicated it won't shift the same as it did because of losing that learned behavior. And that the behavior he described was normal when the converter isn't locked. Compared my car's converter locking behavior to his mph description to give him a data point comparison to his. Difference in post interpretation, I guess.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Dec 13, 2020 | 02:34 PM
  #9  
subfloor@centurytrans's Avatar
subfloor@centurytrans
Supporting Vendor
15 Year Member
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 880
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (track prepared)
2019 C6 of Year Winner (track prepared)
Default

Originally Posted by BadAV
Didn't say anything about it affecting torque converter lock. Just indicated it won't shift the same as it did because of losing that learned behavior. And that the behavior he described was normal when the converter isn't locked. Compared my car's converter locking behavior to his mph description to give him a data point comparison to his. Difference in post interpretation, I guess.
Also, the amount of so called learning the transmission does is minimal at best anyway. I've disconnected my battery countless times yet am still able to go racing with it immediately after.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2020 | 02:37 PM
  #10  
BadAV's Avatar
BadAV
Race Director
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,021
Likes: 3,555
From: Central MO
Default

Originally Posted by subfloor@centurytrans
Also, the amount of so called learning the transmission does is minimal at best anyway. I've disconnected my battery countless times yet am still able to go racing with it immediately after.
Still doesn't shift the same as after many miles of learned behavior, but you win.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2020 | 02:44 PM
  #11  
subfloor@centurytrans's Avatar
subfloor@centurytrans
Supporting Vendor
15 Year Member
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 880
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (track prepared)
2019 C6 of Year Winner (track prepared)
Default

Originally Posted by BadAV
Still doesn't shift the same as after many miles of learned behavior, but you win.
Yeah, it shifts exactly the same and I can post the HP Tuners scans to prove it if you'd like.

By your logic, my car won't shift properly because of losing the so-called learned behavior but I can assure you it shifts just fine at 7500RPM and beyond, without the ability to put any street miles on it since it's now a dedicated race car.

Last edited by subfloor@centurytrans; Dec 13, 2020 at 02:47 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2020 | 02:50 PM
  #12  
BadAV's Avatar
BadAV
Race Director
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,021
Likes: 3,555
From: Central MO
Default

Originally Posted by subfloor@centurytrans
Yeah, it shifts exactly the same and I can post the HP Tuners scans to prove it if you'd like.
That's OK. I have HPT as well. The hard shift point tables are the same. The fine little dithering nuances learned and incorporated from the individual's driving style are gone. Does not shift the same. But again, you win. What we have here is a failure to communicate/understand.

Last edited by BadAV; Dec 13, 2020 at 02:55 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2020 | 05:41 PM
  #13  
jamieo's Avatar
jamieo
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,017
Likes: 791
From: Tollesboro Kentucky
Default

Tried it with 2 different trans tunes and it is still the same.Noticed no difference between the tune from my cam swap when the transmission was tuned also.I installed my old TCM tune from Diablew and it acts the same.Any idea how much RPM change I should see between 5th and 6th with a 2'56 rear end?Looking for ideas and I appreciate the responses

Last edited by jamieo; Dec 13, 2020 at 05:43 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2020 | 05:48 PM
  #14  
subfloor@centurytrans's Avatar
subfloor@centurytrans
Supporting Vendor
15 Year Member
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 880
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (track prepared)
2019 C6 of Year Winner (track prepared)
Default

Originally Posted by jamieo
Tried it with 2 different trans tunes and it is still the same.Noticed no difference between the tune from my cam swap when the transmission was tuned also.I installed my old TCM tune from Diablew and it acts the same.Any idea how much RPM change I should see between 5th and 6th with a 2'56 rear end?Looking for ideas and I appreciate the responses
If an engine misfire is detected (no matter how slight) it will cause the converter to unlock.

Are you still running the stock converter?
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2020 | 06:12 PM
  #15  
jamieo's Avatar
jamieo
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,017
Likes: 791
From: Tollesboro Kentucky
Default

Yes,I am still using the stock converter.I haven't had any indications of a misfire.No codes and no pending codes that I can find.

Last edited by jamieo; Dec 14, 2020 at 06:54 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2020 | 04:32 PM
  #16  
jamieo's Avatar
jamieo
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,017
Likes: 791
From: Tollesboro Kentucky
Default

Just drove it about 200 miles today.Sometimes it would lock in and sometimes it wouldn't.I did notice that the CEL flashed several times when I first started it but it quit after a few seconds with no more light.Thought maybe I was going to be able to get a misfire code or something but no luck.Codescan was clean.I datalogged with the intune with no luck on a misfire count.It may be time to revisit the tuner who did the cam swap and tune.I may try a new set of wires but the plugs only have about 600 miles on them so I wouldn't think they would be an issue.I will have to see what plugs he used as I have heard several issues with the NGKs.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2020 | 04:45 PM
  #17  
BadAV's Avatar
BadAV
Race Director
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,021
Likes: 3,555
From: Central MO
Default

Originally Posted by jamieo
Just drove it about 200 miles today.Sometimes it would lock in and sometimes it wouldn't.I did notice that the CEL flashed several times when I first started it but it quit after a few seconds with no more light.Thought maybe I was going to be able to get a misfire code or something but no luck.Codescan was clean.I datalogged with the intune with no luck on a misfire count.It may be time to revisit the tuner who did the cam swap and tune.I may try a new set of wires but the plugs only have about 600 miles on them so I wouldn't think they would be an issue.I will have to see what plugs he used as I have heard several issues with the NGKs.
A cracked insulator will cause misfires, and it is really easy to crack one if you aren't careful during installation.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Torque converter

Old Dec 19, 2020 | 04:55 PM
  #18  
jamieo's Avatar
jamieo
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,017
Likes: 791
From: Tollesboro Kentucky
Default

That is kind of what I expected to find.Odd that no codes are shown but stranger things have happened.Chased an issue similar to this on my supercharged truck.Swapped out the NGK plugs and no issues since.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2020 | 06:18 PM
  #19  
subfloor@centurytrans's Avatar
subfloor@centurytrans
Supporting Vendor
15 Year Member
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 880
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (track prepared)
2019 C6 of Year Winner (track prepared)
Default

Originally Posted by jamieo
That is kind of what I expected to find.Odd that no codes are shown but stranger things have happened.Chased an issue similar to this on my supercharged truck.Swapped out the NGK plugs and no issues since.
Get rid of the NGK plugs as they're crap. I've have all kinds of problems in the few engines I've tried them in, including one where I had engine knock at idle.

I run stock plugs in my 9 second race car and have never had an issue.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2020 | 06:40 PM
  #20  
gavinfdavies's Avatar
gavinfdavies
Burning Brakes
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 883
Likes: 43
From: Newport, south Wales
Default

Regarding the NGK plugs there are loads of counter fit items about. I make sure to buy genuine ones from known good vendors, usually platinum or iridium, and use them on my bikes and cars. Touch wood all fine so far.

I'm curious to know what the issues were, so I can keep an eye out for them.

Last edited by gavinfdavies; Dec 19, 2020 at 06:41 PM.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:24 PM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE