I read an article that you can remove the check ball from the input shaft of the trans so that the lockup clutch engages quicker. Has anyone elese done this? Would it be a bad idea to remove it from my daily driver?

 

I had a guy disable the lockup feature on my old 87 T/A. I didn't know what he actually did, but he said he just unplugged something. It REALLY improved around town driving acceleration, and didn't seem to hurt the gas MPG much.

BTW.....you have an aftermarket stall and still have lockup issues?

BamaZ28

 

The lockup toreu converter (or TCC- torque converter clutch) is computer controlled. There's a 4 wire square plug somewhere on the trans that lets the ECM turn it on and off. It's a electro-hydraulic system. The ECM activates/deactivates a valve in the trans that sends fluid to lockup mechanism. So, taking out a chekc ball or similar mod won't get it to engage or disengage any sooner, as far as I know. It may make it "hit" harder, but it won't effect when it turns on and off. I would stick with stock unless you have real good reason to modify it. The TCC only engages at part throttle so why do something to make it engage harder? I don't think it would be worth doing even if it did make a difference.

 

If you remove the checkball capsule, it will "hit" harder on a 12" torque converter. With the 1990 & up torque converter, this change will not do damage to the "damper" assembly as readily as earlier TC's. If you are trying to "improve" lockup, you could change the "checkball capsule" assembly to the late (1995 & up) 4L60E setup which will "double" the oil supply to the lockup clutch without the bump associated with taking out the capsule altogether. If you are going to use the 10" or smaller diameter TC, then take out the checkball capsule altogether. this will help the life of the TC clutch.