My Z28 has the A4,

Now I have seen a few topics talking about a torque converter. I was wondering what does this modifcation do and it's cost. Also are their any prereqs for this mod that I should be aware of?

Thanks,

Steve

 

the converter acts much in the same way as a manual does off the line, it allows the engine to build its rpms before it engauges the drive. this helps because then you end up starting your acceleration closer to peak tq.

 

The torque converter is the link between your engine and transmission. It connects to the flywheel and trans. input shaft, and it is the best "bolt-on" mod you can do for an A4! A higher stall will allow you to keep your RPM's higher on the shifts. It will eliminate that infamous dead spot right after the shift into second gear. The best street/strip torque converter is the Vigilante 3200 IMO. It's plenty streetable for daily driving but performs very well at the track. It shaved off over .6 for me in the 1/4 when I installed it in my SS. I've moved on to a 4,400 stall since then, though. With a stock-internal engine, 3.23:1 gears, bolt-ons, and ET Streets, my 60' would average around a 1.68-1.69. My best 1/4-mile pass with stock-internals and the Vig 3200 was a 12.04 @ 111 MPH with a 1.664 60'. This was after the 3.73's were installed.

A higher stall torque converter will give the car a "looser" feeling, meaning that it will take more throttle application to make the car move. If you get a 3,200 stall, it DOES NOT mean that you will have to hit 3,200 RPM's before the car moves. The true stall of a torque converter will only be seen with a trans brake, but that's a completely different thread. It will take more gas to get the car moving, but it won't be bad. My SS was my daily driver for a while when I had the Vig 3200, and it was great. I drove to Kentucky and back for the NFRA Shootout (and won the bracket class BTW ), and it performed flawlessly. Just be sure that you have an auxiliary transmission cooler installed at the same time because a higher stall torque converter will build more heat. Heat will kill a trans quickly, so do yourself a favor. The B&M trans coolers are nice, and I can get you one if you'd like. We also carry the full line of Precision Industries Vigilante torque converters, so I can get you one of those, too.

Feel free to give me a call if you would like to discuss this further. I've tried 4 different Vigilante and 5 different Yank converters in my personal LS1 f-bodies, so I have a little experience with them.

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'02 SS: 11.63 @ 114.06 MPH, 1.588 60'; 3,515# raceweight, 1,102' D.A.
naturally-aspirated with bolt-ons, a cam, and a fat converter!
L.G. Motorsports (972) 272-7753
Check out the SS!