I removed all the computer controlled stuff (carb, distro) from my 86 LG4 long ago. I still have the computer in the car and just basically left the wires bundled under the hood. Does the torque converter still lock up? Of course it's the stock 700R4. If not, what kind of damage am I doing? I have a TCI computerless lockup kit that I never installed. Is it necessary, since the computer's still there?

 

might want to try the tranny board.

 

Well I left my ECM in after the swap, for one reason only...to run the l/u...and it is doing this very well....Butt....Ive heard conflicting stories about this. Do some research on the tranny board, search is the key word.

 

You should be able to feel TCC lock. Get on a smooth flat road get over 35 mph and settle down to a nice cruise and you should notice a slight drop in rpm as the converter locks. You can also check by going to the ALDL connector where you get codes. The top row of pins last pin on left(term F) is the TCC control voltage. Hook up a digital voltmeter positive to pin F and ground to a good chassis ground. Drive the car and observe the voltage. It will swing from 12 volts to almost zero if the ECM is controlling the TCC solenoid. Don't forget, tapping the brake pedal disconnects lock feature. As far as it being necessary, that's up for debate. Many trans guys I know claim it causes premature failure if the converter fail to lock, others say they have disconnected it with no problems over time. My opinion is that it provides longevity and will help the box to run a little cooler.