Should I lock my converter or not?

LETHALRACER
11-09-2002, 06:32 PM
Should I lock my converter or not?
Is it better to lock your converter in third or not? I know the dyno shows about 30rwhp more with the converter locked. But are you taking away the torque multiplication when you do this? People say stick cars are faster because of no slippage. Aren't you basically makeing a stick when you lock the converter. If locking is better, what speed/rpm should you lock the converter up at? As soon as it shifts into third? At a certin rpm? The tracks are closed now so I have no way of testing this my self.

CANTONRACER
11-09-2002, 10:18 PM
Most lockup the tq around the top of 2nd gear. Something a lot of people forget is you had better be making good power, spinning your motor decent rpms and have gearing or you will simply bog the combo.

LETHALRACER
11-10-2002, 08:30 AM
I guess I will have to do a G-tech comparison to see which one gives me more mile an hour. If it bogs I will raise the lock up rpm. It seems to take a little longer to get through the low rpms but it seems faster above 5,200.

Pro Stock John
11-12-2002, 10:48 AM
The short answer is maybe.

Depends on the size of your converter and how efficient it is.

My PI3600 needed to be locked I would pick up 2-3mph with it...

I use Yank now and it's not really needed to be locked but the new converter might need it, it's supposed to be around a 4800 stall. I'll try locking it in 3rd only. I don't think I would lock up a converter in 2nd unless it's built for that. My Yank 4800 TPE (custom) has been set up so if I lock it the clutches can take it.