Could someone give me some basic information on the operation of torque converters. I have never been an automatic tranny guru, so I know very little about them and their components. But now I got an auto Z so it's time to learn. I understand that a lockup converter is locked all the time and a stall converter has a set "kick in" rpm.
Is a lockup converter a crappy thing to have? I understand that this is what the Z's are stocked with correct?
Would a stall converter give me engine braking like the lockup converter and how hard is a stall converter on the tranny?
Is a stall compatible with a full manual valve-body?
I hear talk about switching to a 9" converter. Is a smaller flywheel required for this?
What effect does a high stall converter have on streetability and gas mileage?

Well I think that about wraps up this session of TC 101. Thanks!

 

lockup converters aren't locked all the time.

They lock up at a certain speed. 42mph on my car.

Picture two fans facing each other.

Place the a few inches from each other.

Turn one on (engine side).

The other fan will start to turn as well (tranny side) after it gets blown air from the one that is powered on.

Thats basically how a converter works.

Only it uses fluid instead of air.

 

Ah lockup aint til 42mph. Is there a way to force lockup at any other rpm or speed? Would this be beneficial? I just took a little tour of a TC on howstuffworks.com lol. Great place. Thanks Grip.