Torque Converter Lockup Questions.

[MDub707]

Ok so this is the first vehicle I've ever had to worry about the transmission in, and I'm wondering about the TC lockup. Obviously the benefits would be a stronger "grab" from the transmission, but what does this mean? Will it wear out quicker? Seems like it may last longer as its not slipping at all!? Can someone explain the positives and negatives of this addition? I'm sure there are others out there with the same questions. I may have gone with the Xtreme Race tune, and may still, but want some more info. What would happen say if you were doing a bumper to bumper pull with another truck? Would you want a lockup or not?

Also question for Innovative - would you be able to make it so you can run a TC lockup on the Xtreme Street tune?

Thanks guys and gals.

[Mark Kovalsky]

You want lockup when the torque converter is in a range where it is not multiplying torque. That's when the stock torque converter locks in 4th and 5th gears. It will not lock in the three lower gears.

You would gain some power to the ground if you locked the torque converter after it is at a speed and load where it isn't multiplying torque any longer. If you locked it before this point you would have less torque to the ground. And if you locked it WAY too soon it would slip as the pump wouldn't have enough capacity to keep it locked at lower speeds.

[05Duallyon22s]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MDub707</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Also question for Innovative - would you be able to make it so you can run a TC lockup on the Xtreme Street tune?

Thanks guys and gals. </div></div>

I can't 100% speak for Eric @ ID, but one of the main difs of Xtreme street and race is the TC lockup, so yes he could lock it on Xremestreet but then you might as well call it XtRace...

[InnovativeDiesel]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 05Duallyon22s</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MDub707</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Also question for Innovative - would you be able to make it so you can run a TC lockup on the Xtreme Street tune?

Thanks guys and gals. </div></div>

I can't 100% speak for Eric @ ID, but one of the main difs of Xtreme street and race is the TC lockup, so yes he could lock it on Xremestreet but then you might as well call it XtRace...

</div></div>

That's correct.

[MDub707]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark Kovalsky</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You want lockup when the torque converter is in a range where it is not multiplying torque. That's when the stock torque converter locks in 4th and 5th gears. It will not lock in the three lower gears.

You would gain some power to the ground if you locked the torque converter after it is at a speed and load where it isn't multiplying torque any longer. If you locked it before this point you would have less torque to the ground. And if you locked it WAY too soon it would slip as the pump wouldn't have enough capacity to keep it locked at lower speeds. </div></div>


That kind of contradicts what the guys at Innovative originally told me when I purchased my tuner... here is what they said..
" Xtreme Race- 420-440rwhp/760-780rwtq - Converter locked in all gears.
Xtreme Street- 420-430rwhp/730-760rwtq- Not recommended for towing.
Street- 400rwhp/670rwtq- Tow up to 10k lbs.
Tow- 350rwhp/630rwtq- Towing over 10k lbs up to the maximum of the truck.
Economy- Mileage program only.
"

So it only locks it in the higher gears or what? So I guess a truck pull you wouldn't be using this feature than anyways.

So with just a TC lockup you can really gain that much more peak power and torque?

[Mark Kovalsky]

I don't see where they contradicted what I said. What you posted doesn't say anything about the stock calibration, and that's what I was describing. The stock calibration only locks in the two top gears. A tuner can make it lock in whatever gear they want.

Locking the torque converter doesn't gain ANY power or torque. The tuner is increasing the engine power and torque, but that doesn't have anything to do with the torque converter lock.

[MDub707]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark Kovalsky</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't see where they contradicted what I said. What you posted doesn't say anything about the stock calibration, and that's what I was describing. The stock calibration only locks in the two top gears. A tuner can make it lock in whatever gear they want.

Locking the torque converter doesn't gain ANY power or torque. The tuner is increasing the engine power and torque, but that doesn't have anything to do with the torque converter lock. </div></div>

Ok I didn't understand, I didn't realize you were talking about stock. So then from what you posted earlier the ID tunes will actually put less power to the ground with a TC lock in all gears?

Also 05superdutyon22s said that the Xtreme street and the Xtreme Race are the same, save for the TC lock up, ID agrees but posts two different power ratings for them. Thats what is confusing me I guess.

So again back to my original questions. Will it wear out faster? What are the benefits or negatives of doing this and what would happen if you were doing pulls with a TC lock?
Ok I didn't understand, I didn't realize you were talking about stock. So then from what you posted earlier the ID tunes will actually put less power to the ground with a TC lock in all gears?

Also both

[Mark Kovalsky]

*IF* they lock *BEFORE* they should, it will put less torque to the ground. *IF* they lock when they should it will put *MORE* torque to the ground. It is not a simple yes or no.

Maybe if you went to http://www.howstuffworks.com and looked up torque converters you'd understand better. It would take me pages and pages of typing to explain how the torque converter works. You really need to understand how a converter works to be able to make decisions like that.

[MDub707]

Ok thanks, I appreciate it. I'll read up like I originally planned and ask questions then. I was just simply wondering more along the lines of the benefits and negatives of locking it in more gears, along the terms of wear. Thanks, Ill do some reading.