Torque converters and how they work?
Originally Posted by DaveB
A TC is a torque multiplication device. The easiest way to describe how one works is to visualize two fans facing each other. When you turn one fan on, the other fan will eventually start to turn in the same direction. Instead of air being the media, fluid is the media in the TC. This is basically how it works. Believe it or not, fluid movement is the connection and acceleration forced between the engine and the tranny under all driving situation except when the TC is locked. That is the only time there is a mechanical connection (like a manual tranny). The fluid movement is also the main reason automatics loose more power through the drivetrain.
To get better launching performance, a lot of racers go for a higher stall and more efficent TC. A higher stall TC will allow you to launch harder (higher rpm with a ton more torque) and the efficency of the upgraded TC won't bleed off as much power once you're underway. Many Lexus GS400 owners go with upgraded TCs and they drop about .3-.4 seconds in ET. However, the G35's TC has a much higher stall speed (~2,800rpms vs 2,300rpms) than the GS400 so seeing the types of gains the GS400 owners see is unlikely.
The downside to a higher stall TC is around the town part throttle acceleration. The car will feel lethargic because there will be more RPM needed to move the car intially. Though a quality higher stall TC that has maybe 500-700rpms more stall will probably drive very close to stock. The TC will also generate more heat therefore you'll need a better tranny cooler. Gas MPGs will also suffer in city driving because of the additional slippage.
Where to get one? Do a search because there are a couple members on here that have them.
To get better launching performance, a lot of racers go for a higher stall and more efficent TC. A higher stall TC will allow you to launch harder (higher rpm with a ton more torque) and the efficency of the upgraded TC won't bleed off as much power once you're underway. Many Lexus GS400 owners go with upgraded TCs and they drop about .3-.4 seconds in ET. However, the G35's TC has a much higher stall speed (~2,800rpms vs 2,300rpms) than the GS400 so seeing the types of gains the GS400 owners see is unlikely.
The downside to a higher stall TC is around the town part throttle acceleration. The car will feel lethargic because there will be more RPM needed to move the car intially. Though a quality higher stall TC that has maybe 500-700rpms more stall will probably drive very close to stock. The TC will also generate more heat therefore you'll need a better tranny cooler. Gas MPGs will also suffer in city driving because of the additional slippage.
Where to get one? Do a search because there are a couple members on here that have them.
I have the TC upgrade on my GS400 and it REALLY wakes the car up! Love it.
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