![]() Torque converter lockup kits can save your engine, and your wallet, in the long run, if you use your vehicle for towing, touring, or rigorous off-road driving.Ī torque converter lockup kit keeps the transmission fluid cool and alleviates the strain placed on the coupling itself. The torque converter is usually full of transmission fluid, which is responsible for transferring the power generated in your engine to your transmission. It is a fluid coupling situated between the transmission and the engine, and holds three important components: However, unlike a clutch, a torque converter uses a fluid engagement instead of a mechanical engagement. What is a torque converter lockup kit, and why do you need one? Keep reading to find out! What is a Torque Converter?Ī torque converter serves the same purpose in an automatic car as a clutch does in a manual car. However, whether you drive off-road or not, we recommend that clients with automatic cars invest in a torque converter lockup kit. In an automatic, stopping does not pose any risk as the motor continues to run while you are stationary. When you have a manual car, dealing with the clutch on an uphill and having to stop to maneuver around boulders or rocks can become difficult, if not downright dangerous. An automatic allows you to control the accelerator and brake without having to focus on the clutch or your gears, which can help when climbing steep inclines or rocky crags. It is no secret that automatic transmissions tend to be better for off-road driving. This is another in a series of weekly Q&A Mailbag sessions with Summit Racing‘s tech department, in which there are hundreds more. Be cautious with this, though, relying on a lockup converter to compensate for a stall speed that’s way too loose will put an excessive load on the clutch during engagement, significantly shortening its life. Use an online gearing calculator to find the numbers for your specific combination.Ĭhoosing converter stall speed is largely based on camshaft operating range, and a lockup converter allows you to lean toward a higher stall speed for a better launch. Notice the rpm difference between drive and overdrive, even with lower (numerically greater) gear ratios. RatiosĪbove is a chart showing examples of a vehicle cruising at 70 miles-per-hour with a 28-inch tall tire, a 4L60 (700R4, 4L60E, and 4L65E are the same) transmission, and popular rear end ratios. ![]() Installing a non-lockup converter in your 4L60 would also require a conversion valve to be installed into the front pump of the transmission. When a torque converter clutch is engaged, it creates a near direct-drive effect and slippage becomes virtually non-existent, regardless of rated stall speed.Ī non-lockup converter can build excessive heat during normal cruising, especially in overdrive when engine rpm drops below converter stall speed. My understanding is that a lockup converter is intended for fuel economy, so would a non-lockup be better for performance?Ī: Lockup torque converters became popular in the 1980s to meet federal fuel economy standards, but they are also beneficial in performance applications. Q: I am choosing a torque converter for my 1970 Nova with a 430 horsepower 383 stroker and a 4L60 transmission.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |