I know it's a STUPID question, but what the hell does it do?

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92 Bird 3.1L Auto
Best $750 I ever spent....
DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!
Kills:
93 Mustang LX (Before Mods)
98 or 99 Dodge Stratus (tough one, edged out at 40)
92 Camaro RS 305 TPI
Close Calls
94 Grand Am 3.1 V6
92 Cavalier 3.1 V6
01 Porsche 911 Turbo (Had em till first gear)
Mods-Jet Stage 2 Performance Chip, Accel Cap/Rotor, Accel 8.8 MM Wires, Accell Coil, AC Delco Rapidfire Plugs, Dynomax Catback, K&N
AIM name OVRCLCK350

 

well for one, it lets you idle in gear. if you try to idle in gear on a manual what happens?? you stall. there is a clutch inside it so when you stop it "lets go" of the transmission allowing the motor to idle. then when you press the gas(lets say you have a 1200 rpm stall converter) when the engine spins up to 1200rpm's, the torque converter "grabs" the trans and off you go.

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Dan
1990 3.1L RS
80 Series Flowmaster
It's fast(er than a 3 cyl metro)

 

Well you are correct somewhat, but your clutch in a 1200rpm stall is fully engaged at 1200rpm. Like a manual when you let out on the clutch it slowly grabs more, well thats how a torque converter works. So at idle your doing say 600 RPMs and you let of the brake, you car will roll slightly forward, now give a little gas to 1000rpms you will move more and at 1200rpm you are fully engaged and moving as fast as 1200rpm will move you.

 

I was asking this question myself a couple of days ago, but it was quelled at this website: http://www.calgarydragracing.ab.ca/t...onverters.html
Hope that helps!

Vman

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1969 Camaro Sport Coupe
383, 700R4, leather, everything black but the lights

Previous owner of an 89 RS Camaro
2.8L V6, 700R4

 

yes you are right kyle. if the converter wasn't engaged a little at idle, then you wouldn't roll at all if you took your foot off the brake.

 

That was a killer link. Very informative