Converter Install Requirements

[Christopher387A]

I am getting ready to buy a converter for my A4, but I'm not really sure what all is required when installing one of these. I've never done this before on a street car, so I'm a newbie on this. :yup:

So far, I'm going to get a Vig 3200 converter. Now, I've read I will need a shift kit and a tranny cooler (B&M 24K seems most recommended). Which shift kit is recommended? Also, will I need a tune with this converter? I know it will run better with one, but I don't know of any place even close that can do it (other than 5+ hours away) right away, if at all.

[Sarge]

Yes....tune it for sure. The convertor itself is straight forward as is the cooler. I also have a B&M cooler....I do recommend a spin on in line filter.... http://www.perma-cool.com/Catalog/Cat_page25.html I am an advocate of the Trans Go shift kits... http://www.txchange.com/transgo.htm .....run straight dino ATF.

[0rion]

You will more than likely have issues without tuning it. The car will want to stall when backing up and things like that. Your shift points will also need to be tweaked. The tranny cooler is a must have. The heat from the stall will eventually kill the tranny without a cooler. I don't run a shift kit with mine but I have the line pressures increased with edit to help firm up the shifts.
Why not just buy the tuning software and learn to tune it yourself?

[Christopher387A]

My $40,000 a year college tuition starting in 2 weeks doesn't really allow for a $500 tuning program. LOL It would make a good birthday present though:yup:

[gillbot]

http://www.bowlingss.com/Mods/InstalRepairl%20Items/Torque%20Converter%20Install%20for%20LS1%20Fbodies .mht

[SteveC]

With that high of a stall, go ahead and replace the flexplate with a TCI SF-29 unit, you have to remove 3 of the six bolts anyway to remove the converter.

Both Summitt and Jeg's sell the unit for $199.

You will also need a tune, I know I did with a Y3000, and 3.73 gears, the PCM did not know what was going on anymore.

SteveC :)