700r4 lockup?

[michaelmeck]

I read a while back about how to put in a switch to make your torque converter lock up sooner, but can't remember how to do it now. I would like to try it out just to see how well it works I know it had something to do with grounding out a terminal somewhere?????

[89IROC&RS]

? i would imagine you ground out the TCC switch. or supply power to it, im not sure exactly how it works. im interested to hear about this.

[1992RS]

Doesn't it already lock up at 1200RPM? Do you have enough torque below that to get you going?

[hot_red_z28]

The lockup clutches won't normally lock up unless you are under a constant acceleration for a while, like when running in OD on the interstate. It can be at any rpm.

This mod won't lock the TC up while in 1st gear, you have to be in 2nd or above.

Here is what you do, and yes, I know for a fact that this works...

You have an ALDL connector under your dash. It is the diagnostic connector thingy...

1. Get some wire, and a switch.

2. Mount the switch wherever you want to.

3. Run a length of wire from each terminal of the switch that is long enough to reach the ALDL connector.

4. Strip about 1/2 of sheathing off each wire.

5. Insert 1 wire into terminal A, (the top left), and 1 into terminal F (the top right).

6. Now just flip the switch to engage it.

7. To test, start with the switch on, from a stop, drive normally, when it shifts to 2nd, you'll feel the engine bog a bit and the rpms will come down, just like in a stick. You should be able to then pop the gas and feel it jump because of the direct link between engine and tranny.

Enjoy...

[Hypsi87]

Be careful doing that because the clutches in a lock up converter are not made for 100% of the power going to them. Us turbo buicks guys use this trick alot and it works but it's hard on the torque converter. I used to do it, mine was setup just like red hot z said but I don't do it anymore. Iv'e already distroyed one torque converter

[1992RS]

That is interesting. could you rebuild your tranny with some really good clutches and such for it not to be so hard on the tranny?

[89IROC&RS]

well, the clutches in the tranny would not be the problem there, its the clutch in the converter, you would have to talk to like B&M and ask if the converter would take it. that setup wouldnt hurt the tranny at all, but could eat up converters easy, i would imagine the converter would still work, just never lock up. and yes, in stock applications the converter only locks up in fourth gear after it senses the right conditions, speed, rpms, engine load, so on and so forth. so my question would be, if you have the switch on, so that it locks up in 2nd, when you leave in 1st, your on a regular setup, and then when it shifts into 2nd, it locks up immediately, and stays locked up in 3rd, and 4th? has anyone tested this at the track and seen improvements??? i really like this idea, very curious.

[hot_red_z28]

I've heard it'll gain ya about a tenth in the quarter and up your trap about 2mph...

[michaelmeck]

I have a stand by converter incase mine grenades so I will give it a try and let all of you know how it turns out

[Hypsi87]

Originally Posted by 89IROC&RS

well, the clutches in the tranny would not be the problem there, its the clutch in the converter, you would have to talk to like B&M and ask if the converter would take it. that setup wouldnt hurt the tranny at all, but could eat up converters easy, i would imagine the converter would still work, just never lock up. and yes, in stock applications the converter only locks up in fourth gear after it senses the right conditions, speed, rpms, engine load, so on and so forth. so my question would be, if you have the switch on, so that it locks up in 2nd, when you leave in 1st, your on a regular setup, and then when it shifts into 2nd, it locks up immediately, and stays locked up in 3rd, and 4th? has anyone tested this at the track and seen improvements??? i really like this idea, very curious.

It gained me about .2 thens and about 2 MPH in the qtr. When your clutch goes bad in the converter you will have to do a complete tranny flush. clutch dibris and other stuff gets into the fluid. Art carr makes a converter that has a five disk clutch that can take the abuse but I think it is over 1,000k just for the converter.

[1992RS]

Holy shit that better be one hell of a converter. But again, that sounds like a pretty nifty thing to do. If I had any kind of money to put into a new converter then I'd try it.

[Hypsi87]

Originally Posted by 1992RS

Holy shit that better be one hell of a converter. But again, that sounds like a pretty nifty thing to do. If I had any kind of money to put into a new converter then I'd try it.

I would think that I would spend 1k on more power to make the extra HP to gain 2 tenths and 2 MPH

[1992RS]

I agree, but hey if you got the money to burn then go for it.

[89IROC&RS]

yeah that converter sounds like a race application for every possible advantage. but yeah that sounds pretty cool. ill have to put that in my little notebook of tricks, if i need that last .2 seconds to break into the 10 second relm

[1992RS]

Hmmm...get a manual/automatic tranny. Works like a manual when your stopped and an auto when your going. Yeah..that's the ticket.