Transmission Converter Options

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

What do you need a lock converter for? You won't even use 4th anyway.

For one...You can gear it like a Manual.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Dan Fahey

For one...You can gear it like a Manual.

Most race manuals use a direct 4th. You can under drive an old Nash or maybe even G-Force, but not overdrive it.

[ss3011]

Come on Mark , a converter clutch will certainly be more efficient in high gear , the question will be how it will effect the launch with all that extra inertia on the turbine .

[FrankM]

When I ordered mine from ATI they suggested to lose the lockup and go with an 8" and for that exact reason with the reduced weight Charlie felt it would work better overall.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by ss3011

Come on Mark , a converter clutch will certainly be more efficient in high gear , the question will be how it will effect the launch with all that extra inertia on the turbine .

Russ, I have never thought that a deal like that absolutely would not work in Stock.
However, what Dan has on hand may work in Pure Stock, but it's all wrong, wrong, wrong for stock eliminator. You know that.
We're not trying to re-invent the wheel here. Just run a couple of tenths under the K/SA index. That is, I think that's the plan.
Going to have to agree with Brian here. Just set that o/d., lock up deal under the bench for now.

[ss3011]

I still think that this might work , with a 3.06 low gear and only running to 3rd . Big drop on the 1-2 shift which would need a looser converter to recover from , but the loose converter hurts upstairs with a heavy car , so lock up in high gear and get your mph back . Its worth a try , just need a converter company willing to help .

[Lee Valentine]

Just on the drag factor a 200 should be a day and a half faster than a 4LE60 or us idiots have been doing it all wrong.

[ss3011]

Originally Posted by Lee Valentine

Just on the drag factor a 200 should be a day and a half faster than a 4LE60 or us idiots have been doing it all wrong.

Totally agree with you . I had probably the first stocker to run a 200thm in my 83 307 Cutlass . Definitely faster than a 350 or a 400 .

I think Dan wants to work with a 4L60e , and that's cool too ! There are a lot of large diameter steel drums inside that beast , and I am not sure if any aftermarket company making aluminum replacements .

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Russ, I have never thought that a deal like that absolutely would not work in Stock.
However, what Dan has on hand may work in Pure Stock, but it's all wrong, wrong, wrong for stock eliminator. You know that.
We're not trying to re-invent the wheel here. Just run a couple of tenths under the K/SA index. That is, I think that's the plan.
Going to have to agree with Brian here. Just set that o/d., lock up deal under the bench for now.

Mark;
YANK designed a strong converter and its costs a bit more.
Their Locking Converter uses a wider Clutch band.

Our Impala Club has Twin Turbo Cars that use the Locking Converter.
They have a lot more power than my car.

The Yank LC is a little heavier than other LC.
Yet works out well launching my 4100+ Lb car.
I understand how a lighter converter can work in a much lighter Car.

Towing you can Manually Lock the Converter for better mileage on flatter grades.

Vigilante and Edge are good too for racing but do not have the wider Clutch feature as the Yank.

Have 4.56 gears now not using the lock feature.
Same RPM range can use 5.38's or 5.13's with a 30 inch tall tire Locked.
Cruises great with the OD and converter locked.

As for getting under the K/SA 12.65 index.
Car is going to make a good bit more power and building reliability first.
Planning installing full up properly beefed 10 bolt Rear.
Still needs a Roll Bar and smaller gas tank.

Doing things in stages and still having fun a Pure Stocker.

One of the things learned from our Impala Club.
Build up the weak points before adding power.

Dan

[ss3011]

I have seen hybrid converters with a 8" core , but a larger 298 mm clutch and front cover . That style converter has way too much inertia to work well in Stock . What might work pretty well is a 245 mm converter which is a lot lighter and only slightly bigger than a 8" Opel converter.

Personally I think you will need more rearend gear , but you can creep up on that , once you get going .

Good Luck