I know some of you may laugh, but bare with me here...

question 1. What is the difference between a lockup and non lockup transmission (say a 700R4)

qeustion 2. What will the diameter of a Torque Convertor do for me? small, large?

question 3. How does a stall convertor work, and what are the advantages?

Typical newbie questions right? yea yea i know, but i just wanna know these things before i get b@lls deep into workin on my car and then realize that i never did really learn what this **** means.....clue me in now so i dont look like an @$$ later... thanks guys

 

1) Lockup convertors have a clutch to make the trans input rotate at the same speed as the crankshaft. Without it a torque converter can't transmit at full potential efficiency. (Basically saves gas and creates less heat during lockup.)

2) Smaller diameter TC's will have a higher stall speed and less rotational mass.

3) You mean the stall speed or the torque convertor?

Your stall speed is the maximum amount of engine rpm that can be achieved with zero rpm output. (Zero mph, no wheels turning, no driveshaft rotation, etc.)

A torque convertor works by (an impeller) throwing fluid around/inside a shell and redirecting it back at an angle (through a stator) which assists the initial part (the impeller) in throwing the fluid. Since the original fluid is being directed back to the impeller <i>plus</i> the impeller is still being rotated by the engine, you have the original energy plus the current input engery (minus fluid shear and other friction, etc.) acting upon the fluid thus increasing/multiplying torque.

Scott