Lock-up VS. Non Lock-up Torque Converter
01-22-2009, 12:43 PM
#21
My .02. I use a vigilante 5 disk lock up converter in my 84 bracket car and lock the converter up right after the 1-2 shift. My car runs approximately 2 tenths faster in the quarter with the converter locked up. In my case as in the other forum member, the car does pull strongly. This allows me to use a .430 rear gear and go through the lights at 6500 at 126mph. I make over 250 runs per year and have my converters freshened up every 2 years with never a problem. 10.58@126
01-22-2009, 02:05 PM
#22
Race Director
That is a pretty huge gain (imo) from just locking the conv. I thought there would be some gains, guess I'll just have to figure out the right spot.
I have a couple of questions for you, Did you use one of the available "calculaters" to determine or attain a starting point ? Does the amount of slip in the converter become a consideration for the lock up point ?
I have a couple of questions for you, Did you use one of the available "calculaters" to determine or attain a starting point ? Does the amount of slip in the converter become a consideration for the lock up point ?
Last edited by 383vett; 01-22-2009 at 03:36 PM.
01-22-2009, 03:30 PM
#23
Race Director
01-22-2009, 06:19 PM
#24
Le Mans Master
My times are a result of trial and error. I've tried locking up the coverter right after the 1-2 shift, a few seconds after the 1-2 shift, after the 2-3 shift, and at the top of 3rd gear. This is what works best for me. The car really is consistant run after run so the main variable is the time of lock up. A few converter builders have told me they can build a non lockup that will run quicker than my set up now and maybe they can, but so far, my car is quickest locking up right after the 1-2. I'm sure the 9 second guys run a non lockup and probably a 350 or 400 instead of my 4l60e. Hope this helps.
