Always Torque Converting

[SVOboy]

My little trick if you don't want to wait for the car to warm up and you only have full lock up (like me). Just wire the TC directly to 12v (you don't want it always on though, it'll kill battery) and it'll kick in regardless of ECT,

[DirtyOldTown]

The TCC isn't so much like an overdrive as it is an engaged clutch. Torque converters provide torque multipliccation when the TCC is not engaged, but once it is engaged torque multiplication is lost. This is one reason why their engagement is delayed. When the TCC is not engaged the crankshaft spins faster than the input shaft of the trans. - this goes away when the TCC comes on. I just did some Chrysler training and they have started using a CVT (same one that Nissan uses) and it locks up at less than 15 mph and stays locked up. I also recently learned that some of the Toyota models get better FE with an automatic than with a manual because of the gear ratios they use. I love Toyota, but I wish they were a little more focused on manuals.

[SVOboy]

All the automatics these days are getting longer gearing to try to show up manuals, unfortunately they still don't get better mileage in the hands of someone who knows how to drive. I think this is also because manuals are becoming more of a performance only adventure instead of economy, because now most everyone can afford an auto who will be buying a new car so why try to offer something less lazy.

[GasSavers_katman]

People who race buy autos. People who play at racing or street race or just like rowing buy manuals.

[Compaq888]

Originally Posted by katman

People who race buy autos. People who play at racing or street race or just like rowing buy manuals.

autos are consistent. But autos don't bring out the full power of the engine.

[Bunger]

Originally Posted by katman

People who race buy autos. People who play at racing or street race or just like rowing buy manuals.

This may be true for high power domestics and new "automatic" (really just a computer controlled manual) transmissions in european cars, but in the current Honda world, manuals are king.

[95metro]

Originally Posted by katman

People who race buy autos. People who play at racing or street race or just like rowing buy manuals.

I think this only pertains to muscle-cars. Mostly a throw-back to how bulletproof the old automatics and posi's were. The sight of a floor-mounted Hurst still makes the die-hards drool...

Obviously we aren't going to see full automatics in NASCAR, Indy, or F1 nor will it happen among the rice-rocket pack.

[SVOboy]

Indeed, it was said that my auto couldn't handle more than 150whp, what a piece of junk when my manual can handle 500whp.

[GasSavers_katman]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Indeed, it was said that my auto couldn't handle more than 150whp, what a piece of junk when my manual can handle 500whp.

Don't you drive a blue oval found on road dead? Build your tranny and you too can be running in the 10s or faster.

[SVOboy]

Blue oval found on the road dead? My car would prolly run in the 17s or 18s if I tried,