Which torque converter?

[MarkuzLS1]

I'm getting ready to order a ~3000rpm torque converter. My car is a 2002 WS6 Trans Am. It's got the 3.23 rear gear. For modifications it's got an SLP air-lid, Corsa cat-back, and Pacesetter long tubes (on order). Price is an issue. I don't have any desire to spend more than I need to. These are what I'm considering:

TCI Streetfighter........................$454.99
Yank Stealth Thruster 3000..........$475.00
Yank SuperStock 3200.................$675.00
Vigilante 3000............................$699.99 (might be able to find that slightly cheaper)
Fuddle Performance Series 3000.....$400.00

Are the more expensive ones worth the extra premium over the Fuddle? There's $299 difference between the cheapest and most expensive. I don't know enough about 'em to make a good decision. Somebody help me out.

[MarkuzLS1]

3 votes, each for a different option... Feel free to give reasoning behind your choices ;) .

[SKULLZ]

I went with a Yank 3000 it was a tad cheaper than the vig. As for the fuddle and TCI I have heard good things. Yank also has good customer service. Honestly you cant go wrong with any of the converters you've listed in my opinion.

[nhraformula]

i have the tci streetfighter and am very happy with it.
it drives tight like the stock trans and lowered my e.t by .6 tenths

[palerider]

If you just want to spend more money, you can get a Fuddle HP/Street series for $555. :lol:
Actually I've got a fuddle on the way, stalled at 3200. I'll let you know how it is.
I've heard nothing but good things about them. Plus the free re-stall within the first year, and 100% credit towards an upgrade (60% during the second year).
Makes it a no brainer for me. I'll upgrade from Performance series to HP/Street at a different stall when the new motor goes in next year, and the warranty starts over, too.

[juiced99ws6]

I have the Fuddle TC with 3280 stall and 2.2 STR. They custom built it for me to run on a nitrous application and it has been a great converter for me. You can talk to I believe its Jon over there and let him know what mods you have and he will let you know what TC would be best for you.
(now that I am in TX though and on the shittiest track I have ever seen I wish I didnt have it at all since the 2.2 STR just kicks so hard off the line that I spin my DR's right through the 60' now lol)

[MarkuzLS1]

I filled out the Fuddle recommendation form. They got back to me and recommended their Performance line with a 3400 stall. Cost the same as 3000, just stalled different. I'm really leaning toward the Fuddle...

[ScrapMaker]

won't the 3400 stall make it VERY hard to get any traction without slicks? I mean, doesn't it make it hard to launch at a lower RPM if you were trying to get traction, say on street tires?

[~redlinels1~]

Any TC will make it difficult to grab traction on street tires. But hell, I can't even get traction with street tires with the stock stall.

I just ordered a 3600 stall w/ a 2.2 STR from Fuddle. I got it in about two weeks and the customer service was awesome. I'll let ya know how it is when I put it in.

[ScrapMaker]

so the best way to launch at the track is to probably NOT rev it much? I mean, if I'm having traction problem, it may not even be beneficial to powerbrake at all...

[MNR-0]

Stall her up to 1500rpm or a little less. That should do the trick without breaking anything.

[Zboner]

EDGE converters, just got mine in

[ScrapMaker]

if I'm having traction problems, is there any benefit to stalling it to 1500?

[MNR-0]

Well, yes. Dont mash it - let her just go at 1500rpm when the lights go then ease into it - riding the edge of traction. At least that way you have peddle feel with continual load. If you mash it from the line there is at least 500RPM slip that you must wash through before you get movement - if you mash through that too quickly it will result in much higher torque multiplication hence wheelspin.

[ScrapMaker]

heh, yeah, the only time I ran without traction control, I tried to hold it at 2000rpm+ and then when the lights changed, I floored it...

I didn't go anywhere...


I'm just used to drag racers that usually just floor it... at least this makes for a more exciting time at the track... I can see why people in standards like the challenge...

[MNR-0]

Its real fun on street tyres, but can be rewarding when you maintain traction. Full weight, full street trim and Bridgestone road tyres 2yrs old, got a 1.809 60' and 12.3@114MPH. Thats really babying it off the line without 100% throttle through most of 1st gear. Its good to know you have a low 12s street car in true street trim.

[shawn84&92]

I had a Yank Stealth converter in a 97 C5 a few years back, and liked it. I think it was a 2500 stall. It felt great as a daily driver and I pulled 1.85 60 foot times on drag radials and 1.88 on Nitto Street tires. I don't think I ever got the dr's hot enough to really bite.
shawn

[onyx_rock]

1.68 60 ft on Nittos with my 3600 2.2str Fuddle.

[BeachZ]

Coan Racing converter.

[ScrapMaker]

my friend's 05 STI gets 1.69 60ft, so your 1.68 is ASTOUNDING!!! how many rear-ends have you gone through?? :)

[mrr23]

i have a yank ss3200 for sale. $500.00 shipped if interested.

[vxchev8]

I voted Fuddle because of the results it's getting in AU. Does anybody know the postage weight of the Fuddle T/C?

[rotwiler]

I have a Fuddle 3400 2.1 str, bought it about 9 months ago. I was at the track Saturday running Nitto 555R's(16x8) and launching at around 2k rpms. Cut a bunch of 1.70*'s 60 foots and one 1.695. Still running on the stock 10 bolt and I changed the gears to 3:42's about 2 years ago.. I get pulse width modulation, so I need a shift kit, otherwise it is great and no other problems. Here is a picture from Saturday just as the car launched off the line.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g143/rotwiler/68269169-M1.jpg

[ScrapMaker]

you get PWMs? as in, the computer is recieiving erronous signals? I don't quite understand, because typically a pulse width modulation is a term associated with the regulation or control of a power source...

[rotwiler]

There is no partial apply on the converter clutch. Lock up is either on or off. PWM is used to get the effect of a partial apply. Your transimssion uses a solenoid to very quickly "pulse" the clutch on and off. With a stock torque converter's clutch, it isn't usually even noticed. This is because the clutch is made of a material that is allowed to slip. When aggressive non-slip clutch material used, this pulsing occasionally is audible.

[ScrapMaker]

interesting...

[rotwiler]

That came off the Fuddle racing site...I just left out the references to the Fuddle converters. Have a appointment Thursday to get a shift kit in, hope it works out. My whole goal with the Z28 is low 12's and at full weight(no weight reduction at all). Think I'm on borrowed time with the stock rear end, but has held up great in 200+ times down the 1/4 mile and with 60 foot times now in the 1.69's it has to be taking a beating.

[MNR-0]

I voted Fuddle because of the results it's getting in AU. Does anybody know the postage weight of the Fuddle T/C?
If you want one just give me a PM. Im importing a pallet next week.

Dont bother with USPS. They suck.

Really suck.

[LS1 Eddie]

Yank all the way.