Alright, after honestly hours, maybe days of searching the forums...I am exactly where I started with my valve body over torque converter debate.

Here is my understanding:
valve body will improve shifts in manual mode and allow for greater horses on the 5AT but will not affect daily driving. correct?

torque converters will improve launches and improve torque curve, but effectively ruin daily driving. correct?

so my question is, as a daily driver, what combination of the two does everyone recommend for a high horse power daily driver. I haven't found a solid answer yet in any of the threads, and I doubt I'm gonna get one now, but its worth a try right?

 

The tc will make daily driving a bit "rougher" only if you raise the stall rpms significantly. Stock is already high at 2600-2900 rpms per the service manual for my 04 5AT. An upgraded converter will ONLY improve the first 60 feet (launch) or so in terms of performance. After that, it'll be pretty much locked with the driveshaft. The stock TC is excellent - I wouldn't mess with it. I have looked into this and talked to an expert at Edge Racing (Andre). For forced induction, some will REDUCE the stall speed to improve traction. I do not see the point of changing the stock specs if you are not having an issue with traction or unless you want to really set the car up for drag racing.

The valve body upgrade will result in faster shifts. period. this is a requirement to handle higher torque (as for forced induction applications over 350 wtrq or so). You may well feel the shifts during daily driving. if you don't mind that, then it's all good.

 

Stillen VB ftl! go with Sharif or SGP

 

I have both , a TC and valve body . The Trq converter [ Edge Racing ] didnt change daily driving at all . The only time I feel the 500 increase in the stall is when in reverse . It just takes a little more gas pedal [rpm's]to get the car moving . The Valve bady [SGP] is a night and day difference in shifting . ANd it does effect daily driving . The shift from 1st to 2nd [ in manual or auto] can be very hard . You have to find the right rpm to make it less harsh . But the other shifts are fine .