I currently have a 700R4 trans in my 92 RS (305 TBI). I am going to be putting in a 383 Super Ram engine (approx. 480-520hp) into my car hopefully this winter....and will be running a Ford 9" 3.50 rear end. I know my transmission will not survive this setup for very long....so should I have a shop rebuild the trans so it can take the abuse (my daily driver....occasional track time)....buy a new aftermarket 700R4 trans that can take the abuse...buy a new or used manual 6-speed trans.....or some other option? I am spending a forture already...so money is a concern...but I would rather pay what is needed now so my car will last a couple 100K miles...rather than having to buy new transmissions all the time. Any suggestions? Also....Im a bit confused when it comes to other stuff concerning the trans. I know I should get around a 2800 stall converter...but I dont know why (someone told me to get it...no idea what it does) but what is this whole transbrake....torque convert lockup...and stuff like that? I am not a trans person!! Thanks for the help.

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1992 Teal Camaro RS
T-Tops
305 TBI V8
Open air element
3" Flowmaster Exhaust System w/Quad Tips
Aiwa CD/Mp3 player
10 Disc CD Changer
Rockford Fosgate Speakers
SLP Headers Coming
Dynomax High Flow Cats Coming
More to come.

[This message has been edited by mult68 (edited September 14, 2001).]

 

Which TC you get depends on the torque of your engine. I'm sure if you call Summit with your figures they can match you up with the correct TC. A lock up TC is when the clutch inside the TC locksup. This is better than a Non-lockup converter. It will improve gas milage and I'm sure performance as well. I believe that when the converter locks up it will drop your Rpm's a little while in OD. I'm someone else can go into further detail for you.

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'86 IROC
T-TOPS, TINTED WINDOWS, BRAKE LIGHT BLACKOUTS
GM GOODWRENCH 350
EDELBROCK TES HEADERS
3" Hooker CatBack w/Aero Chamber muffler
EDELBROCK 600CFM CARB.
KN AIRFILTER
ACCEL HEI DISTRIBUTOR
160* Stat
3:73 Posi
Rebuilt 700R4
B&M Megashifter, 5" Autometer Tach w/shift lite

 

You can think of the Torque Converter stall as how long it "rides" the clutch until it fully engages. Higher the better for the track but you don't want one that does not lock up when cruising around town or your tranny will get too hot.
You get what you pay for here. Don't skimp with a cheap tq. Get a Vigalante(sp?)if you can swing it.

 

Readers Digest version:

A quality tranny build should hold up for a long time. Save till you can afford this or it will cost you MORE down the road (maybe not too far down either judging by other members horror stories that have been posted).

A 383 tends to be torquey so 2800 might be too high to take full advantage of that. Give the specs to a quality converter builder (Continental comes to mind) and let them choose.

Transbrake is for track only car (IMHO)

Lock up is when the inherent slip in a converter is removed, providing less heat generation and wasted power.

Lock up is essential on a street driven car.