I have a 2002 z28 A4 w/ 2.73 gears. I am thinking about going to a higher stall converter (probably early next spring) but had some questions.

1.) What stall would be good for mostly street driving and occasional track?

2.) Is this mod going to be useless w/o sticky tires and a gear change?

3.) If I get a tranny cooler is a higher stall going to hurt anything?

4.) Can I install it myself? (for a reference on mechanical ability, I can change a clutch but have no experience w/ automatics, is it much harder?)

5.) Can I take it back out relatively easy if I have a (major) warrenty claim?

Thanks a lot
Dustin

 

A lot of people run a 2400 on the street with no problems. They go on pretty easy, maybe a tighter fit than stock though. A tranny cooler is always a good idea too.

 

tranny cooler isa cheap insurance policy...i recommend it.
as for stall, its hard to say, but i would surely stay away from 2400, youll want more after driving it for 5 minutes. i would suggest a 3000, but i wouldnt be surprised if you want more within a few months. you will not need a gear change, but depending on what str you get with the converter, you may need stickier tires. there isnt anything too difficult about putting one in, but you do have to pull the tranny. then you unbolt the stock converter and put in the new one. chances are youll need someone to help you lift the roughly 150lb tranny esp. to put it back in.

 

Thanks a lot for the info. Is there any way that a dealer can tell I have the converter if I have to make a warranty claim for something non-transmition related? I know I shouldn't be such a wuss about the warranty but I'm 19, paying for college and my car, and can't afford to break it. Hopefully this college thing pays off and I can afford to break my car when the warranty runs up (thats the plan anyway )
Dustin

 

If the dealer drives it, he will probably feel the looseness and ask about it.

As for stall speed, get something a little more than you think you can stand. I got a Vig2800 (Vigilantes actually stall a little higher than they are rated), and I wish I had gone with the 3200.

Anything less than 3000 and I don't think it's worth getting a converter. I'd recommend a Yank 3500 or a Vigilante 3200 on an LS1 car. Even with 2.73s...that's what I've got, and I'm already used to the 2800 like it was stock.

Stick with those two brands, too.