Torque converter confusion

GA_StangGT · Nov 17, 2007

I'm looking into upgrading my torque converter in my 03 GT; it is N/A with a 3.73 gear and stock cams. The shop I use has recommended a Precision Industries triple disk locking converter that costs approximately $990. I feel like this is a little much for my N/A car and way more than I need. The car is not raced...other that pissing off the occasional ricer and will see zero track time.

I'm open to all recommendation. I have been looking at TCI converters in the $500 range. I really have no clue as to what would work best.

Thanks!

propellerhead · Nov 17, 2007

We're probably in the same boat. I never planned on being an 11 second car. I couldn't see myself dumping $2000-4000 on a power adder. I just wanted a little attitude from my car. I settled for a 2800-3000 single disk Edge converter for a hair over $500. My ETs didn't change much since I found it hard to not spin. I got MT ET Streets and that's when I saw like 0.2 off my times. Street driving stayed mild but still a good bark if I slammed the pedal.

If you're not planning on going to the track at all, spend the money on something else. A high stall converter is all about the launch. I haven't been drag racing at all and the stall converter sucks for autocross.

04YELLOWGT · Nov 17, 2007

First a triple disk is over kill, more for high hp car spraying nitrous or high boost cars.

The thing is though if your not racing it at the track it is a waste of money, you can spend your money else where like on exhaust. A stall will be a waste on the street do to traction problems especially with street tires, you'll most likey do worst aginst people from a dig.

You SHOULD gain more than .2 at the track though, especailly with MTs. I've seen guys with a 3000 stall with MTs pick .5 with just the stall.

big T · Nov 17, 2007

GA_StangGT said:
I'm looking into upgrading my torque converter in my 03 GT; it is N/A with a 3.73 gear and stock cams. The shop I use has recommended a Precision Industries triple disk locking converter that costs approximately $990. I feel like this is a little much for my N/A car and way more than I need. The car is not raced...other that pissing off the occasional ricer and will see zero track time.

I'm open to all recommendation. I have been looking at TCI converters in the $500 range. I really have no clue as to what would work best.

Thanks!

www.bc-automotive.com ...check out Darrin's website and give him a call. One of the absolute best 4r70w trans/torque converter builders out there. P.I.'s 3 disc converter is good, but I would upgrade the clutch surface materials.

TGJ · Nov 17, 2007

If you intend to lock the TC up at WOT, which is what you want you are going to need a good TC. You get what you pay for. There are a lot of crappy TC's out there including Edge. The PI triple disc is a good TC that does need it's lining replaced, however it is a good piece that will stand up to WOT lockup. I suggest that you do get the PI Triple Disc or talk to Alan( DirtyDog ) at DirtyDog Performance or Chris at Circle D Specialties.

ChrisGT · Nov 18, 2007

dirtydog ftw!

DBMSTNG · Nov 18, 2007

i agree, triple disk is mondo overkill.

Mike97gt · Nov 18, 2007

A converter is not just the launch... It will also get rid of those dead spots while rolling. You know when your going to fast to downshift to first but your at like 3000 rpm's and your car feel like slug floored. With a good converter instead of being at 3k rpm's when you hammer it you will be closer to 4k and that is much closer to peak power on these cars.

A good converter makes your car feel totally different.. A bad converter that is not much above stock is not even worth it if you ask me. If you are going to go the converter route then read TGJ's post.

The key thing is converter lockup.. This is a HUGE benefit of a good tripple disk converter and the reason you should go with a good one if you are going to do it.

big T · Nov 18, 2007

GA_StangGT said:
I'm looking into upgrading my torque converter in my 03 GT; it is N/A with a 3.73 gear and stock cams. The shop I use has recommended a Precision Industries triple disk locking converter that costs approximately $990. I feel like this is a little much for my N/A car and way more than I need. The car is not raced...other that pissing off the occasional ricer and will see zero track time.

I'm open to all recommendation. I have been looking at TCI converters in the $500 range. I really have no clue as to what would work best.

Thanks!

I know that many companies will tell u that a 2800-3000 stall is best, but trust me when I tell you that 3500 is the lowest stall for a n/a car. I had a 3k stall in my 2002 gt and compared to now...there is no comparison. I'd hate for you to put in a 2800 and regret it, wishing you had more like I did.

TGJ · Nov 18, 2007

I am going to add a few comments.

1) Precision Industries used to advertise that their single disc TC would NOT hold lockup at WOT, only the triple disc would. I don't know if they still advertise that or not as I have not been on their website in awhile. A good automatic tune will command lockup at WOT. A proper locking TC with a good tune for it will see some pretty big gains( .5+ seconds ) in the 1/4.

What good is it to get a TC that won't hold when you need it to?

2) There are good single disc TC's out there. They are higher priced, not quite as much as a PI triple disc but again as I pointed out, the quality is there to hold N/A cars at WOT lockup. Talk to Alan at dirtydogperformance or Chris at CircleD Specialties if it is a Single Disc TC you want. They make the only ones I know that will hold lockup at WOT.

3) If you are N/A, I also suggest you start at 3500 RPM stall. The stall RPM of the stock TC is rated at 2400 - 2700 RPM so you won't see big gains by going with a slightly higher stall TC.

4) Chris at CircleD Specialties re-lined and re-stalled my PI Triple Disc that is in my N/A TBird. The stall I went with is 4200 RPM but it is a bit more because my 5.0L Big-Bore is making more TQ than a 4.6L would. I am extremely happy with that TC.

big T · Nov 18, 2007

TGJ said:
I am going to add a few comments.

1) Precision Industries used to advertise that their single disc TC would NOT hold lockup at WOT, only the triple disc would. I don't know if they still advertise that or not as I have not been on their website in awhile. A good automatic tune will command lockup at WOT. A proper locking TC with a good tune for it will see some pretty big gains( .5+ seconds ) in the 1/4.

What good is it to get a TC that won't hold when you need it to?

2) There are good single disc TC's out there. They are higher priced, not quite as much as a PI triple disc but again as I pointed out, the quality is there to hold N/A cars at WOT lockup. Talk to Alan at dirtydogperformance or Chris at CircleD Specialties if it is a Single Disc TC you want. They make the only ones I know that will hold lockup at WOT.

3) If you are N/A, I also suggest you start at 3500 RPM stall. The stall RPM of the stock TC is rated at 2400 - 2700 RPM so you won't see big gains by going with a slightly higher stall TC.

4) Chris at CircleD Specialties re-lined and re-stalled my PI Triple Disc that is in my N/A TBird. The stall I went with is 4200 RPM but it is a bit more because my 5.0L Big-Bore is making more TQ than a 4.6L would. I am extremely happy with that TC.

That pretty much sums it up!!!!

CobraRed_96_GT · Nov 18, 2007

yeah my 3200 is mild, dont fear the stall

Torque converter confusion

GA_StangGT

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I fantasize about it being BIG!

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it doe snot

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