If a converter is locked up all the time how does a car idle or start moving? How does the converter function at all? I have seen "automatics" transmission set up with maunal clutches. The clutch is used to launch only.

I like the stick because of the thrust control. (I am sure I am saying that wrong). Camaros are hvy in the front so in the corners I like to use the throttle to balance the weight. I always take corner under some acceleration and the manual allow me very tight control of the weight shift. Of course if you do not know how to drive a Camaro and you let off the throttle as you go around the corner the manual is hurting you more than an automatic would.

 

I think craby meant so that the converter can lock in each gear, but will unlock like a normal one does. That isn't to give the false impression that anybody can do that. The lockup clutches in the t.c. needs to be made to take that kind of torque. You'll ruin/break the clutches in a "regular" t.c. by locking it up in the intermediate gears.

 

i dont think it can be locked in 1st. i was asked if i wanted the converter locked when mine was being built, he had to wire the inside because i did not want the coverter locked all the time. once i used the trans with the stall converter i understood some of what he was getting at. the way i understood it, it would not work with a stock trans or stock converter. the way this trans and converter is built it doesnt give a bunch of pull untill you get over 50% throttle position unless your in 3rd or 4th when the converter locks and then when you give it so much throttle the converter unlocks until a certain speed is reached. thing is there is little chance of feeling that certain part of the power band. well until you reach 70. i like that at times and dont like it at times. i can rev the motor a little at lower speeds and the car will speed up very little. almost like pulling it outa gear. with the stock trans and converter theres no way i can do that. i cant wait to get the raptor and stall back in.

 

I could be reading your post wrong but I think you are confusing the normal converter lock up and the added on electric lockup. On a stock engine the converter will “lock up” around 1800 RPM. Picture two fans blowing at each other, one fan is driven by the motor the other is connected to the trans. As RPMs go up the fans get closer together until they “lock up”. This means it is no long converting RPMs into torque at 1800 RPM. In theory all power the engine is output goes directly to the engine with no modification. Reality check is the fans don’t touch so there is never really 100% lockup. Before MPG became important that is how all automatics worked. The electric lockup is design only to add MPG, it is a very small clutch band that is in the converter that is designed to ONLY engage at cruising speeds. It is there to maintain speed and capture some of the energy loss because the two fans do not touch, in a stock car even a small uphill grade will turn the lock up converter off. If for some reason the release valve fails and the clutch stays engages the motor will destroy the light clutch in a matter of minutes. I have had a number of customers that wiped out their TCC and never knew it. I would not trust a torque converter clutch to transfer more than 50 HP. (the number should be in torque but it is just a guess anyway)

(I know torque converter don’t really work this way it is just the best way I know to explain what they do).

 

gorn i had to leave collage after my first year to take over the family business so i didnt get to the trans part of the class. i know you know more about it than i. my converter is a 10 inch with a 12 inch carbon fiber clutch rated to 700 hp. also has a 2.5 multiplication rate.

 

I did say in a stock engine, That does not mean someone can not make something completely different, Do you have a link for your converter? I would love to know how they do that. We had to rebuild converters in class but in the real world we just bought them.

 

here 700R4 Performance Transmission from PATC, 700 Raptor 700R4 i have the 5x and am thinking if i have to get another i may go with a mr1 but i will talk with don when ordering and see whats best for me.

 

I've been an automatic driver my whole life, but for my camaroim definitely going manual. I feel closer to y car and it allows for quicker acceleration and fuel economy. Just my thoughts.

 

That is a pretty cool setup, How do engage the clutch? do you have a switch? I would imagine that thing will have an insane grab when it locked up.

 

shifts are tuned. i think i am going to have him put a switch in when he works on it so i can see how that works. the trans is built to shift easy i think. once in a while on a manual shift it will grab in second and go sideways a little, does it sound lilke its locked, you can hear the 3rd gear lock at the end of the third shift then i had to let up.

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