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How can a torque converter improve my performance and what does it do?

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Old 06-13-2001, 01:08 PM
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Yes, I know I can find the info elsewhere, but I want your input. Will be FAQ'ed and credit will be given. Thanks!
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Old 06-13-2001, 04:43 PM
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Are you serious or joking? I thought you knew your stuff!
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Old 06-13-2001, 04:50 PM
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Originally posted by dmontzmax
Are you serious or joking? I thought you knew your stuff!
I do know my stuff, but I want others to answer. It's not fun updating the FAQ with only my input.
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Old 06-13-2001, 05:36 PM
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Hey, I answered this already and you put it in the 5th gen FAQ sticky. But if you want it again....


A torque converter is basically the clutch for an automatic transmission. It transfers power from the engine to the transmission gears. However unlike a clutch in a manual transmission, the torque converter (TC) transfers power hydraulically through the transmission fluid. Since the transfer of power is done hydraulically rather than mechanically, more power is lost between the engine and drivetrain. Thus, an upgraded or stronger TC will provide a better transfer of power to the drivetrain. You will not be gaining any horsepower, rather you will be recovering horsepower that would have been normally lost with your stock TC. In addition, a stronger TC will have a higher stall speed. This will allow better launches when you are brake torquing or flashing the TC. In other words, you can bring the revs up higher when you launch with a TC that has a higher stall speed.

please correct me if any information is incorrect
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Old 06-13-2001, 05:39 PM
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amen...nice write-up
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Old 06-13-2001, 05:46 PM
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Originally posted by Chris91SE
amen...nice write-up
Copy/paste is the best.
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Old 06-13-2001, 05:47 PM
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Originally posted by Chris91SE
amen...nice write-up
tanks
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Old 06-13-2001, 05:47 PM
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Originally posted by Y2KevSE


Copy/paste is the best.
no need to reinvent the wheel
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Old 06-13-2001, 05:49 PM
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,

Bump
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Old 06-13-2001, 08:36 PM
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Originally posted by UMD_MaxSE
Hey, I answered this already and you put it in the 5th gen FAQ sticky. But if you want it again....


A torque converter is basically the clutch for an automatic transmission. It transfers power from the engine to the transmission gears. However unlike a clutch in a manual transmission, the torque converter (TC) transfers power hydraulically through the transmission fluid. Since the transfer of power is done hydraulically rather than mechanically, more power is lost between the engine and drivetrain. Thus, an upgraded or stronger TC will provide a better transfer of power to the drivetrain. You will not be gaining any horsepower, rather you will be recovering horsepower that would have been normally lost with your stock TC. In addition, a stronger TC will have a higher stall speed. This will allow better launches when you are brake torquing or flashing the TC. In other words, you can bring the revs up higher when you launch with a TC that has a higher stall speed.

please correct me if any information is incorrect
Actually there are a few things wrong here

An upgraded stall converter will be stronger IF you get a stronger unit. However, most quality aftermarket torque converters that increase stall speed are stronger internally. Raising stall speed has nothing to do with strength. You don't gain back hp either. Actually you loose even more power at the expense of the added stall speed (ie more slip before stall speed is achieved). What you get in return is much better torque multiplication which is what makes for stronger launches at WOT.


Dave
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Old 06-13-2001, 11:47 PM
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what Dave said. My understanding is that they only allow you to launch at higher rpms which is only beneficial if you have slicks or drag radials. On regular tires, you'd only spin worse. But that's just my understanding. I don't actually have one.
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Old 06-14-2001, 05:13 AM
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Originally posted by Dave B


Actually there are a few things wrong here

An upgraded stall converter will be stronger IF you get a stronger unit. However, most quality aftermarket torque converters that increase stall speed are stronger internally. Raising stall speed has nothing to do with strength. You don't gain back hp either. Actually you loose even more power at the expense of the added stall speed (ie more slip before stall speed is achieved). What you get in return is much better torque multiplication which is what makes for stronger launches at WOT.


Dave
thanks for the clarification...
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Old 06-14-2001, 07:20 AM
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Just wondering about this...

What would raising the viscosity of the Auto tranny fluid do?
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Old 06-14-2001, 07:22 AM
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yes
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Old 06-14-2001, 07:32 AM
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converter

this is the "street" explanation. if you have upgraded your automatic transmission and put in a high stall converter, you can launch like a rocket. this can be an advantage especially when your engine is not that responsive, through mid range torque.
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Old 06-14-2001, 01:07 PM
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Any other input?
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Old 06-14-2001, 01:40 PM
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NO
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Old 07-26-2018, 12:17 PM
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Does a torque converter work differently for a CVT than an auto?
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