High stall torque converters

[DSM_powerd_lude]

My friend has mentioned this to me, he said that it would almost erased the difference between auto and stick, does anyone know what kind i should get and what i should look for, what exactly they do.

 

[98TalonTSi]

Well, first off there are only a few companies that make "high stall" torque converters, everyone else makes restalled stock converters. You can go to http://www.ecanfix.com/~atdsm/ this is the dsm AT page. There is a lot of information on how general AT trannies work.
Another site with useful info is www.plymouthlaser.com. And lastly you can go to: www.importperformancetrans.com
www.holeshotperformance.com
Also on the AT DSM page there is a vendors section where you can find out where you can get them. I hope this answers your question because your setup and goals ultimately affect your transmission upgrade path.


Mike

 

[SpoOLxExO]

Your friend has the right idea. And in the right case, a properly equipped automatic trans will outshift even the fastest of manual users.

The thing is, between the two transmissions you have an engagment mechinism. These are the "Clutch" for manuals and then there is the "Stall Converter". Both of these things dictate how/when the power is transferred to the drive wheels.

With a performance clutch you get more than just the benifit of holding power, or grip. You get a shorter clutch pedal throw, to change gears more quickly.

With a High(er) stall converter over stock and a shift kit you get many benifits:

1. You get to launch your car at a higher RPM, enabling boost off the line caused by the increased enigne load.

2.In a auto-turbo car, a beautiful thing happens one you spool up...NEVER LIFT TO SHIFT! Which is a personal fave of mine since the turbo stays spooled throughout the run. Which in another turn enables you to run a much larger turbo than the conventional AWD setup requires due to the added drivetrain lag. You have a GST correct? so that means you could run a full T-4 turbo setup. It wouldnt spool till around 5 grand, since FWDs dont get tracion till alittle down the track it would be favorable. Cause one you spool a huge T-4 on an auto, you better hold on!

3. keeps the shifts firm and tight. This will become a huge advantage both on the highway, and the dragstrip.

If I were to purchase a FWD turbo car, it would most definately have to be automatic because of these advantages!

But if you decide to purchase a stall converter, buy one that matches the spooling charateristics of the turbo you are going to run, they kinda go hand in hand in this situation. EG. If you run a stock turbo then a stall of 2500-2800 will allow it to launch hard, but still maintain some streetability.

Good luck!

 

[Focusonme13]

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hows this sound?...with a toruge converter and a translab shiftkit?....is this a good setup?

 

[SpoOLxExO]

Absolutly!
In fact in an auto turbo DSM, installing these items, with a aftermarket sport torque converter is going to be the best ROI (Return on Investment) in your upgrade sequence.

This will allow full potential of your upgraded turbo, exaust, intercooler, fuel etc due to the high-performance nature of upgrading the trans.

I would like to see some vids of street automatic DSM's stunting around actually, is there anyone who knows a link? My buddy is in the buildup of his AWD Tsi Auto, and I think that would help inspire him. And to have people recognize, 5-speed or auto, you just can't F@#$ with a DSM!

 

[transdude]

Originally posted by SpoOLxExO
Your friend has the right idea. And in the right case, a properly equipped automatic trans will outshift even the fastest of manual users.

The thing is, between the two transmissions you have an engagment mechinism. These are the "Clutch" for manuals and then there is the "Stall Converter". Both of these things dictate how/when the power is transferred to the drive wheels.

With a performance clutch you get more than just the benifit of holding power, or grip. You get a shorter clutch pedal throw, to change gears more quickly.

With a High(er) stall converter over stock and a shift kit you get many benifits:

1. You get to launch your car at a higher RPM, enabling boost off the line caused by the increased enigne load.

2.In a auto-turbo car, a beautiful thing happens one you spool up...NEVER LIFT TO SHIFT! Which is a personal fave of mine since the turbo stays spooled throughout the run. Which in another turn enables you to run a much larger turbo than the conventional AWD setup requires due to the added drivetrain lag. You have a GST correct? so that means you could run a full T-4 turbo setup. It wouldnt spool till around 5 grand, since FWDs dont get tracion till alittle down the track it would be favorable. Cause one you spool a huge T-4 on an auto, you better hold on!

3. keeps the shifts firm and tight. This will become a huge advantage both on the highway, and the dragstrip.

If I were to purchase a FWD turbo car, it would most definately have to be automatic because of these advantages!

But if you decide to purchase a stall converter, buy one that matches the spooling charateristics of the turbo you are going to run, they kinda go hand in hand in this situation. EG. If you run a stock turbo then a stall of 2500-2800 will allow it to launch hard, but still maintain some streetability.

Good luck!

Well said.

The advantages to having a high stall converter are great, especially if you have one custom made for your vehicle and it's characteristics.

-John
owner, import performance trans

 

[DSM_powerd_lude]

Are there anythings i can upgrade on the trans to transfer more power down to the wheels?

 

[transdude]

Originally posted by DSM_powerd_lude
Are there anythings i can upgrade on the trans to transfer more power down to the wheels?

Anything that happens in a trans will not really transfer more power to the wheels, however, a proper converter will enable you to better utilize the power that you have.

In other words, in simple terms, you will be able to launch the car under higher power than with a stock converter.

-John

 

[98TalonTSi]

Originally posted by transdude
Anything that happens in a trans will not really transfer more power to the wheels, however, a proper converter will enable you to better utilize the power that you have.

In other words, in simple terms, you will be able to launch the car under higher power than with a stock converter.

-John

Since you're a FWD, as am I, the only way to transfer the power to the wheels more efficiently are: drag radials or slicks, stiffer motor mounts and suspension mods, and an LSD. You'll find that as you upgrade getting the MPH is not the hard part, so until you get a well rounded suspension try not to worry too much about the E.T. I went from a
14.9@94 to a 14.2@102 just from a turbo swap, the E.T. didn't improve according to an AWD or RWD terms, but the MPH was such a jump that I was happy.

-Mike

 

[theboogieman]

As said above, there are many places to go thru or to. For great advice online I always found Charle's site www.plymouthlaser.com to be really good. When it comes to actually doing the work on the tranny I prefer IPT all the way!!!! I HAD a Level 10 tranny (rebuilt by Level 10) and it blew at Maple on me. Toasted!! I did run a 13.3 and a 1.9 60' before that though on a sm16g. So much for Level 10. I don't care what pro import racers use them or whatever, the damn thing toasted on me. Only takes one time.
Now I have my complete tranny over at IPT. John had it apart before my wife and I even left the shop and all the problems pretty much pointed out! It was great, but sucked the way the guts looked. Sooo, it has been fully rebuilt with ALL THE OPTIONS available thu John and even got their TQ. Valve body mods redone to their spec also. That deal they are running now is great!!
Anyhow, as soon as I get this tranny installed i will post results at the track. I am thinking I will hit a high 12.8 or 12.90s....then it is time for cams and bigger turbo.
Anyhow, give IPT a call...937-827-9946. If anything at l John can give ya' some good advice.
Leo

 

[98TalonTSi]

at.dsm.org is a good resource to find out about the workings of an AT.
www.importperformancetrans.com is a good source for your DSM AT needs.