Anyone changed torque converter?

[jon81]

Anyone changed the torque converter in their 81? If so what did you go with and did you have any problem with the lockout on the TH350C.

I'm thinking about going with a 2,000 rpm stall to closer match my Comp 268H cam.

[Scott81]

I changed mine but I have a 700r4. If you have a tranny jack it's not a hard thing to do, it should slip right off. When you put the new one on MAKE SURE you seat it fully...don't ask how I know :D I did mine while the motor was out so it was much easier too. Can't help you with that stall speed stuff, sorry.

[GerryLP]

Jon,

I changed mine to a 2,400 stall, and the lock up feature worked fine. With the computer hooked-up, it works as advertised, but then you may have to install a switch to fool the system into a dis-engaged mode (for those times that you may want un-restricted operation of the converter). With the computer disconnected, you need to to fool the system that the EGR solenoid is still sending a signal, and I can later show you how to do that.

Is the comp cam the extreme energy one? I think that it has a duration of 224 on bothe valves at 0.050" tappet lift.

[jon81]

Hi Gerrylp;

TCI is recommending the 242400, Saturday Night Special. With my engine package, appx 410hp and 423ft/lbs torque, they said it would stall around 2,100rpm. Of course it's 3 times more expensive that the one for the non lockup TH350. Unfortunately it's the only one they make that's compatible with the TH350C and B&M doesn't even make one for that tranny.

All of the electronic controls are off the car. I think I can put a manual switch on it to control the lockup in 3rd gear. I'm going to call TCI again tomorrow and ask what kind of switch they make to control the lockout manually.

Are you still running the electronic controls or did you go to a manual lockup?

The cam is a Comp 268H with 218 degrees of duration at .474 lift.

[GerryLP]

Jon,

The H268 comp cam is a good cam, but I have it right now in my engine, and I am already wishing for more. The CS274H Comp Cam 274 (http://www.compcams.com/information/Products/Camshafts/DynoSheets/XE274H-10_001.asp) is a little too much duration for my taste, but the ExtremeeEnergy 268 Extreme Energy 268 (http://www.compcams.com/information/search/CamDetails.asp?PartNumber=12-242-2) is the duration in between the High Energy 268 and the CS274 comp cam.