I feel bad you guys are doing all the work for me, but I just don't have the time with work.. And I really do appreciate it! Is a torque-converter expensive?
Since it doesn't seem like you know much about pretty much any perf. part mentioned so far (no offense!), here's something about the torque converter (TC). Source, Google: "A torque converter is a modified form of fluid coupling that is used to transfer rotating power from a prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine or electric motor, to a rotating driven load
(your transmission). Like a basic fluid coupling, the torque converter normally takes the place of a mechanical clutch, allowing the load to be separated from the power source. As a more advanced form of fluid coupling, however, a torque converter is able to multiply torque when there is a substantial difference between input and output rotational speed, thus providing the equivalent of a reduction gear.
A torque converter has three stages of operation:
* Stall. The prime mover is applying power to the pump but the turbine cannot rotate. For example, in an automobile, this stage of operation would occur when the driver has placed the transmission in gear but is preventing the vehicle from moving by continuing to apply the brakes. At stall, the torque converter can produce maximum torque multiplication if sufficient input power is applied (the resulting multiplication is called the stall ratio). The stall phase actually lasts for a brief period when the load (e.g., vehicle) initially starts to move, as there will be a very large difference between pump and turbine speed.
* Acceleration. The load is accelerating but there still is a relatively large difference between pump and turbine speed. Under this condition, the converter will produce torque multiplication that is less than what could be achieved under stall conditions. The amount of multiplication will depend upon the actual difference between pump and turbine speed, as well as various other design factors.
* Coupling. The turbine has reached approximately 90 percent of the speed of the pump. Torque multiplication has essentially ceased and the torque converter is behaving in a manner similar to a plain fluid coupling. In modern automotive applications, it is usually at this stage of operation where the lock-up clutch is applied, a procedure that tends to improve fuel efficiency."
In the end, every automatic transmission in vehicles has a torque converter, it's what allows you to keep your foot on the brake at a stop light while being in gear. At that point, fluid is slowly spinning from the engine side, but not fast enough to cause the other side (transmission side)to spin. For racing and off road applications, there are different torque converters. For off road and climbing, you would want a torque converter who's stall speed is low and can handle a lot of that low-end torque, so that you can carefully apply pressure to the gas pedal to get the truck over the obstacle. You wouldn't want one that would cause you to really have to get on the gas before it finally turns the transmission, then making you lurch forward. You would want that kind for racing, where you can put your feet on the brake and gas, bringing the revs up to the maximum stall speed (let's say 2500ish rpm is pretty good for the avg. Mustang), before the car begins to move forward/spin the tires. When the light turns green, you can just let of the brake and mash the gas the rest of the way, and you will leap forward.
Please read, I hope this helps! I don't know prices, I don't own an auto!
