Here's a list of the kits Jegs sells to luckup your TCC w/o an ECM.
jegs lockup kits

In my case I have changed from a TBI to a holley. I have tried the GM vacuum switch but was realy not happy with it. It locked up at way too little vacuum.

Right now I'm working on a bracket to hold the stock TBI TPS sensor in place next to the Holley and then have the ECM control lockup.

I was just wondering if anybody has tried the above kits and if you think they are worth the money. Most of the kits are all over $100 and look like they have parts you could get yourself for much less.

 

What do you mean by the GM switch locked up at too little vacuum?

 

I bought the GM vacuum switch that everybody references on these boards (dont know the p/n) in order to retrofit TCC lockup on a carb car that was originally fuel injected. I think they used the switch in 80s vans that had carbs.

I mean that this switch closes at say only 10 inches of vacuum. I want it to lock up at around 15 in. which would probably only happen when going 40+ mph with your foot only a little bit into it. Right now it stays locked until my foot is almost 3/4 into the throttle.

 

That sounds about right. Most of the kits I've seen will lock up with even less vacuum, usually around 6-8 inHg. Some, like the TCI kit, can be adjusted somewhat but I don't know over what range.

Why do you want the TCC to unlock so early?

 

Could your problem be solved by installing a manual switch to disable lock-up? Would be much cheaper than a new kit that may or may not work like you want it to.

 

the B&M switch goes off vehicle speed instead of vacuum, and is a superior design you should try that out.

 

While the vehicle speed feature is nice, I wouldn't call it superior. I really dislike the idea of the TCC not unlocking at WOT. If it were used in conjunction with a vacuum switch that would be a lot better.

 

I already have one. It's kind of a pain to keep switching it on and off. Also I dont trust other people to use it correctly when I let them drive it.

Which is why I want to try letting the ECM control lockup once the TPS is hooked up. Another advantage of the ECM is that it will unlock it at NO throttle so the lockup doesnt create engine drag. You can also tune it with a prom programmer.

If anyone else has tried these kits please post the results. I'd be willing to pay $100 if it is worth it.

 

Connecting the vacuum switch to a ported source also unlocks the TCC when the throttle is closed.

I've thought about using a TPS or MAP sensor to provide an adjustable TCC lock control, but I haven't actually tried anything.

Controlling the TCC with a vacuum switch can be even more irritating with a high-stall converter.

 

my TCC never locks unless i turn the switch on...its wired to a manual switch..

the car is hacked wiring wise as i biought it so i have to fix as i go along..

for reference when should the TCC be engaged

 

That's the last thing I need to finish up my project. I like the look of the painless kit, any experience with it?

 

ECM logic for TCC to engage should be like this:
Brake off + engine temp above 140F + trans in 4th gear + throttle above idle + throttle below 50% = lockup.
If any paramater is not met then lockup is inhibited.

 

If you don't mind spending the money, the Painless kit is pretty good. It includes pretty much everything you'd need to make any 700R4 work, even the brake switch and the solenoid.

 

The ECM will also lock the TCC up in 3rd.

 

ok i pretty much get that the TCC is locked at most normal driving conditions...

what about the article on the Tech page about TCC manual lock up and racing.... how should i use it to gain the advantage in a race... definitly not to have it locked if im racing from a roll but what should i be thinking of

 

Personally, I wouldn't lock the TCC at all while racing. It isn't intended to handle that kind of stress.

 

ok... thanks

 

Does the TCI kit operate off of vacuum alone?

A bypass switch would be easy to install. Just interrupt the ground wire with it.

 

The TCI kit has a pressure switch to lock up in 4th and a vacuum switch to unlock at WOT.

 

Well I got the TPS sensor hooked up to the original TBI ECM. WOW! It works great!!! It is sooo much more fun to drive around not having to worry about flipping the lockup switch on and off all the time!!!!

It acts exactly the way it did with fuel injection - engages around 45 mph and disengages when you tip the throttle in a little bit. It is really nice on the freeways when you want to pass somebody. No more flipping a switch, just stab your foot into it!!

Basically the sensor is mounted on a bracket I fabbed up to the front left carb bolt. There is a wire connecting the sensor to the carb throttle lever. If anybody wants details I can post a picture or descirbe it more.

To heck with the JEGS kits!!! The TPS bracket method cost about $10 in Ace Hardware parts and probably works a lot better.