I just did a 4L60 conversion on my 79 Firebird... I still need to install the lock-up system so the converter lock-up engages, so it is currently disconnected. My question is, can I race the car without any lock-up system? Will it affect my transmission in any way? I have a very important challenge this weekend and need to know I know the tranny will burn up if I ENGAGE the lockup and don't disconnect it while stopping... but since there is now way of it getting activated on this race it will be disconnected all the time... what do you think?

 

Generally speaking, you wouldn't want to lock up the converter when racing. And AFAIK, with stock programming the 4L60E does not lock up under WOT in gears 1-3 anyway. Not sure about 4th gear lock-up at WOT though. Any auto tranny being raced needs a good tranny coller, regardless of lock up.

Rich

 

You'll be fine without lockup. Some see more power locking the converter but from what I have seen this is usually not with late model F-bodies.

Rich, in a few instances I've seen the PCM force lockup at about 95 mph WOT. It wasn't the stock programming (PCMforless), but I told Bryan my problem and he fixed it immediately.