GM Drivetrain & Suspension Chassis | Transmission| Driveshaft | Gears/Rear End/Differential | Traction Aids

locking at WOT?

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Old Jun 29, 2009 | 07:11 PM
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Default locking at WOT?

what does it do? why would you lock up your TC?

im trying to figure out if i want a single or triple disc TC
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Old Jun 29, 2009 | 08:09 PM
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No expert... no matter the converter, its not 100% efficient. There will always be some HP/Torque wasted. It's akin to a manual car running down the track with his foot resting on the clutch. There is some slip. Locking the TC solidly couples the flywheel to the trans. no slip. Therefore all the power the engine is making is going through the transmission and on to the wheels not generating heat in the trans fluid. The entire reason the locking torque converter was created. To improve fuel economy not waste HP/Torque. Put it to work moving the vehicle.

So long as you are out of the STR of a good converter or locking the converter doesn't drop the engine out of its powerband I see no good reason not to lock it up...... IF IT CAN SURVIVE IT.

Last edited by KySilverado; Jun 29, 2009 at 08:21 PM.
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 11:31 AM
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Ok i prolly should know this, but do stock converters lock up at wot? I think mine did it aroun 90 mph or so...same with my circle d converter.
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 12:06 PM
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Originally Posted by cwalker2006
Ok i prolly should know this, but do stock converters lock up at wot? I think mine did it aroun 90 mph or so...same with my circle d converter.
The clutch in stock converters is very thin and weak and a stock converter will not last too long at all locking it up at WOT especially if you are making a decent amount of power. If I am doing any tune to a car or truck that doesnt have a good aftermarket converter I make sure that it is unlocked at WOT no matter what.

Now having a good converter lock up around the top of second gear towards the end of the quarter is usually worth a couple tenths but not always.
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 02:38 PM
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well when mine locks up it is in third. i shift into 3rd between 80-85 mph...then at about 90ish the converter locks. should i set it to lock earlier? my converter is a circle d but its not billet or anything, when i ordered it i had other plans for my truck so i got that one. its the reworked tb stall. would it have any problems locking up?
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by KLUG'S SS
The clutch in stock converters is very thin and weak and a stock converter will not last too long at all locking it up at WOT especially if you are making a decent amount of power. If I am doing any tune to a car or truck that doesnt have a good aftermarket converter I make sure that it is unlocked at WOT no matter what.

Now having a good converter lock up around the top of second gear towards the end of the quarter is usually worth a couple tenths but not always.

My old Art Carr converter would not lock up as solid as the stocker... I've been locking my stock converter at 50 and keeping it lock threw the 2-3 shifts.. I'd trust a stock converter clutch over ANY converter clutch that is small in diameter...
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 05:25 PM
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On stock Converters,I personally would not lock them at WOT
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 06:49 PM
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don't lock it on a stock converter, and especially don't lock it thru shifts on a stock trans.
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 07:07 PM
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you guys are just scared of breaking something.....
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 07:10 PM
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I'm not, I've been thru my fair share of trannys.
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