Notices
Performance Forced induction, intakes, exhausts, torque converters, transmissions, etc.

Question on torque converter

Old Mar 2, 2003 | 01:14 AM
  #1  
kapdori's Avatar
kapdori
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Default Question on torque converter

those of you who has tc already, I am thinking my next mod will be tc on my 01gs300.
I guess its going to help with low grunt that want. But I was wondering is tc going to cause compensation on normal driving? I mean I don't want to be spinning or chirping my tires everytime you know. How is reaction when just taking off slowly in traffic where there is cars that drive slow in front of me. ( I get that alot here in denver which sucks ) but also maybe I am confused but if I get tc with stall speed of 2800, does it mean that my car won't move from standing still until my rpm gets to 2800 mark? Any help would be appreciated.
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2003 | 08:47 AM
  #2  
UTGS400's Avatar
UTGS400
Instructor
20 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 957
Likes: 13
From: Texas
Default

I have a 2800 stall speed TC and have no problems driving in everyday situations. You won't squeal your tires unless you hit the gas...at least that is the way it is in a GS4. And yes, you car will move even when you are under 2800 RPM.

Here is the most simplistic way to think of a TC (it's not exactly the way it works, but it will help you understand). Think of the TC as a clutch that releases at a set rate every time you accelerate. If you floor it, the RPM's will rise faster than the release of the clutch causing you to peal out. If you punch the gas down as you would for everyday driving, the RPM's will rise slower then the release of the clutch thus causing no peal out.

I hope this answers your questions.
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2003 | 10:09 AM
  #3  
bitkahuna's Avatar
bitkahuna
CL Community Team
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 80,867
Likes: 4,031
Default

I think the stall speed is the speed at which it will lock up fully, so under 2800rpm you still get some torque transferred, just not full torque.

I believe there's two discs with 'fins' on them and the spinning of the first one swirls tranny fluid which causes the second one to spin which drives the rear wheels.
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2003 | 06:23 PM
  #4  
Sovero1's Avatar
Sovero1
Pole Position
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: New York
Default

Originally posted by bitkahuna
I think the stall speed is the speed at which it will lock up fully, so under 2800rpm you still get some torque transferred, just not full torque.

I believe there's two discs with 'fins' on them and the spinning of the first one swirls tranny fluid which causes the second one to spin which drives the rear wheels.
So (keep in mind I know nothing about this) the lower the stall speed the better? And what do you mean by lock up?

Thanks,

Ed
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2003 | 07:08 PM
  #5  
UTGS400's Avatar
UTGS400
Instructor
20 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 957
Likes: 13
From: Texas
Default

Maybe this link will help.

http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2...er/index.shtml
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2003 | 07:13 PM
  #6  
bitkahuna's Avatar
bitkahuna
CL Community Team
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 80,867
Likes: 4,031
Default

Originally posted by Sovero1
So (keep in mind I know nothing about this) the lower the stall speed the better? And what do you mean by lock up?
Second answer first ...

The torque convertor is 'locked up' when all input torque is being transferred to the output side. It's operating as if the convetor isn't there, basically. A torque converter is needed though so that the engine can 'spool up' a bit before torque is transferred to the rear diff / wheels.

Now answering the first question... no. If a very low stall speed torque converter were used then the converter would lock up at very low rpms, meaning the engine wouldn't spool up the rpms much before the converter is locked and when the engine is at low rpms it doesn't develop that much torque. So a HIGHER stall speed lets the engine spool up MORE before torque is applied to the rear wheels, and at higher rpms MORE torque is 'on tap' from the engine, meaning a faster launch of the car, easier to spin the tires, etc. It doesn't mean the engine develops more power, but it means the engine is closer to its peak torque output before that torque is applied to the rear wheels. The factory stall speed is 1800 rpms and the stall speed of the 'Dragon' one many people get from Precision Industries (like I have) is 2800 rpms.

Before I installed it I could NOT spin my rear 275 tires from launch. Now I can any time I want. Not that I want to spin them every time, but the higher stall TC provides more of the available torque at ALL times. Bottom line: The car just flat out feels and IS faster.
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2003 | 07:58 PM
  #7  
kapdori's Avatar
kapdori
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Talking

thanks for all your answers.
Now I just have to save some money to get one.
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2003 | 08:11 PM
  #8  
Sovero1's Avatar
Sovero1
Pole Position
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: New York
Default

Thanks for a detailed explanation, bit...

What sucks is that it doesn't look like PI makes a Dragon for 1st gen GS
Reply
ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

story-0

2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-5

10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

 Brett Foote
Old Mar 2, 2003 | 08:41 PM
  #9  
bitkahuna's Avatar
bitkahuna
CL Community Team
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 80,867
Likes: 4,031
Default

Originally posted by Sovero1
What sucks is that it doesn't look like PI makes a Dragon for 1st gen GS
I'd give 'em a call. They may have one.

http://www.converter.com/dragon.htm
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2006 | 12:24 PM
  #10  
ncraan's Avatar
ncraan
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: FL
Smile Tc Recommendation

Hey Guys What Tc Would You Guys Recommend For The 1jz..
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
GS400V8
Performance
36
Mar 22, 2017 01:07 PM
Rock-a-Lex
Performance
4
Aug 1, 2007 02:50 PM
Kharizma
Performance
7
Jun 17, 2007 11:44 AM
Cosm
Performance
1
Jun 17, 2003 07:07 AM
UTGS400
Performance
19
Nov 21, 2002 11:01 AM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:11 PM.

story-0
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

Slideshow: Our First-Drive Review of the 2026 Lexus ES!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-29 20:30:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

Slideshow: 10 Lexus bargain that are cheaper than a new Toyota.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 10:28:20


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

Slideshow: From hoverboards to luxury yachts, these are the strangest projects Lexus has ever attached its badge to.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-16 11:34:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-6
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-9
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE