BlackSC4 Posted January 29, 2004 Posted January 29, 2004 well i am planning on buying a dragon torque converter for my sc400, does anyone know where i can either join a group buy or get it for less than $899?? i intend to buy it within the weeks to come...
UCF3 Posted January 29, 2004 Posted January 29, 2004 Have you checked with some of our authorized traders, like JPI? I believe their are two more ATraders for our site.
JPI Posted January 29, 2004 Posted January 29, 2004 Since it's a rare item and We don't carry it. Not many people want to spend this kind of money on a Torque Converter. I will make some call and tomorrow and we will see. JPI
BlackSC4 Posted January 29, 2004 Author Posted January 29, 2004 JPI, if you can get it to a reasonable price, i'd like to complete the transaction ASAP. get back to me. thanks. and for the other sc400 owners, i shall tell you whether the highly praised dragon TC is worth the effort and money.
SKperformance Posted January 29, 2004 Posted January 29, 2004 the t/c is a really good thing but it is more for later on in a build up i would belive intelex as they know alot of the good the bad and the crap parts as they have tried them all. but it is only good after an exhuast and all the minor upgrades as it would include removal of the transmission just to put it in. A whole lot of money for .5 secs on a built motor not stock so 899 plus install is a whole lot of cash it would be better to get an upgraded tranny at the same time but only if you were doing alot of dragging buy some good suspension,wheels or a big brake supra TT kit and you would spend the money much better oh yah or a nice jic titanium exhuast
bean_8044 Posted January 29, 2004 Posted January 29, 2004 Dont forget to check out the Australian Lexus Soarer Club. Theres a shop down there that sells the shift kits for 350 and upgraded torque convertors for about the same i think.
AWJ Posted January 29, 2004 Posted January 29, 2004 The torque converter is just a fine place to start. Enjoy.
BlackSC4 Posted January 30, 2004 Author Posted January 30, 2004 well i found a cheaper place to get the dragon torque converters if anyone else are interested: jdsperformance.com. jdsperformance.com also had in their description of stall speeds and adjusting them. my knowledge of that is minimal to none, i was wondering if anyone else knew a thing or two about them. thanks
BlackSC4 Posted January 30, 2004 Author Posted January 30, 2004 crap me, it's more expensive. i was hoping i read $822 when it was $922. but yes, i still am interested in stall speeds and adjustments. thanks!
bean_8044 Posted January 30, 2004 Posted January 30, 2004 Torque Converter - A turbine used to transmit power from a driving member to a driven member via hydraulic action, providing changes in drive ratio and torque. In automotive use, it links the drive plate at the rear of the engine to the automatic transmission. Check How Stuff Works for a writeup on how torque converters actually work.
mktbully Posted January 30, 2004 Posted January 30, 2004 anyone contacted protorque about torque convertors? http://www.protorque.com/ http://www.protorque.com/shopping/shopdisp...=Toyota%2FLexus PTC-T044SSLEX 90-99 LEXUS GS/LS/SC Approx Stall Speed: 300 - 800 ABOVE Rated HP: Price: $425.00 might be a cheaper alternative? if you don't want to get one they do have some cool info on their site about TCs. just throwing it out there...and SK if this is too stupid to post then just let me know so i can just delete it so i can save you the frustrating of reading my babble.
BlackSC4 Posted January 31, 2004 Author Posted January 31, 2004 mkt, 425 is a lot better than 899, do you know how it would compare to the dragon torque converters?
mktbully Posted February 1, 2004 Posted February 1, 2004 mkt, 425 is a lot better than 899, do you know how it would compare to the dragon torque converters? i have no experience on the dragon TC. i'm using a protorque in my nissan now...w/ no complaints. anyone can chime in here on the dragon TC?
K9crew Posted February 2, 2004 Posted February 2, 2004 BlackSC4, My "understanding" of torque converters and stall speeds is that you can rev the engine with the transmission in N to the given TC stall speed (RPM) then shift the transmission into gear without stalling the engine. This is important for cars at the drag strip since higher RPM launches can result in faster times. I'm not really clear on the benefit of higher TC stall speeds for "normal" driving. If this explanation is incorrect I'd appreciate a proper explanation as well. :)
BlackSC4 Posted February 2, 2004 Author Posted February 2, 2004 k9, i have a buddy that is taking automotive classes and he's been ripping engines and trannies apart and reassembling them for the last 2 years. he explained to me that higher stall speeds is basically just lagging the torque converter to kick into gear later than sooner, so you get a better launch. <---his own words. he advise to me that if i slam on the brakes and the gas, then releasing the brake, the car will act similarly. how true is that? i have no idea, but to try it out myself. im still waiting on a better deal, as JPI never came back to this post to give me a price. and besides, i just got a 95mph speeding ticket which is costing me $300+. the worst part is that the cop said he caught me at 91mph but he said i was heading for 100mph+ so he wrote me a ticket for 95mph. what can i do, right? so when i can gather enough cash to get the torque converter, i will discuss this with better acurracy.
K9crew Posted February 2, 2004 Posted February 2, 2004 BlackSC4, Here's some interesting reading ... "What You Need To Know About Torque Converters - Content provided by Summit Racing Tech Support Nothing about torque converters is more misunderstood than stall speed. Stall speed is directly related to the amount of torque your engine produces--the more torque, the higher the stall speed. For example, a converter with a 2,800 to 3,200 rpm rating might provide approximately 2,800 rpm of stall speed behind a mild small block V8, but about 5,000 rpm behind a big block making 800-plus ft.-lbs. of torque. If you don't know your engine's torque rating, you cannot establish the converter's stall speed. That leads to perhaps the biggest problem people have when buying a converter: stall speed ratings. While most converter manufacturers list stall speed ranges, those numbers are very, very general guidelines; true stall speed is impossible to measure due to vehicle variables. The time-honored method of testing a converter's stall speed--holding the brake and revving the engine while in gear--doesn't work, primarily because the tires will spin before you reach the converter's stall rpm. The biggest complaint about converters centers on a stall speed that is too low. The problem is usually a lack of low-end torque, but there are other variables that can contribute to lower stall speeds, including the following: Low vehicle weight Small displacement engine Very low compression ratio Long duration camshafts Retarded cam timing Heat is the biggest enemy of your converter and transmission. Stepping up to a higher stall converter can impose higher loads and create more heat, so proper cooling is essential. We strongly recommend a high capacity transmission cooler to protect your converter and transmission from damage". :)
SKperformance Posted February 2, 2004 Posted February 2, 2004 put it this way a tc with a higher stall rate will put the engine when reved with the brake on (the stall speed is what the rpms stop at with the gas pressed all the way down when on the brake) into it torque curve better as you will get more torque depending on the engines rpm like 2200 which is usually a normal stall speed might be 200 but at 2600rpm it might be producing 260 hp so you can launch better just like a manual tranny ,you don't idle and drop the clutch you redline and then dump the clutch with a higher stall tc it is already in gear in an auto so you get going with more power hope this makes sense
BlackSC4 Posted February 3, 2004 Author Posted February 3, 2004 well i had the chance of contacting the guys at protorque, and this is what they had to say about their product: Yes, we do torque converters for many import applications. As well as many turbo Supra's that are also in the 10's. Many of these cars have been featured in TURBO Magazine. The most recognizes is probably Vinnie Tens 7 second Supra. We have done many other RWD Toyotas including Lexus and Camry We offer a torque converter for this application. The part number is PTC-TO44LEXSS. This torque converter is the perfect mix of performance and street ability and is recommended for a street/strip application. The stall speed on this torque converter is approx. 300-800 above stock. Our price on this torque converter is $425.00 +shipping. The reason we recommend this piece is because of its good drivability, and durability. We do these on an exchange basis. The turnaround time for this torque converter is usually 1-2 days. Once again thanks what do you guys this? trust em? it seems pretty reasonable to me, but with enough support from you guys, i will try this piece of work out.
AWJ Posted February 3, 2004 Posted February 3, 2004 That's a good response. Did you get that via e-mail or phone. I can always appreciate a straight up answer from a vendor. I would recommend you get a clear idea of any kind of warranty. Once that is clear or you are ready to jump pick it up. Sounds they are doing a rework of the oem torque converter to stall up a bit higher. Probably not bad if they stand behind their work. I would recommend the tranny cooler as well to be on the safe side. Just by-pass the stock one completely and pick up any decent external unit.
BlackSC4 Posted February 3, 2004 Author Posted February 3, 2004 well, awj spoke, i'm sold, hehe. yeah i was getting the AT cooler, but you really think i should completely bypass it? i was thinking about just getting a fat one and just add it on.
AWJ Posted February 3, 2004 Posted February 3, 2004 My word is not bond. Though I might like to think it is. There is always the opportunity for things to go less than ideal. But this is what makes life exciting yea? Anyways, yes - by-pass the stocker tranny cooler because it is located inside of the radiator. Therefore, the fluid is going to be as hot as the engine coolant. Probably not ideal after putting the reworked stall in there. Cut the stocker cooler out of the loop - remove the hot step. Feel free to consult elsewhere as well for other opinions. This was mentioned over at supraforums recently as well.
mktbully Posted February 3, 2004 Posted February 3, 2004 well i had the chance of contacting the guys at protorque, and this is what they had to say about their product: Yes, we do torque converters for many import applications. As well as many turbo Supra's that are also in the 10's. Many of these cars have been featured in TURBO Magazine. The most recognizes is probably Vinnie Tens 7 second Supra. We have done many other RWD Toyotas including Lexus and Camry We offer a torque converter for this application. The part number is PTC-TO44LEXSS. This torque converter is the perfect mix of performance and street ability and is recommended for a street/strip application. The stall speed on this torque converter is approx. 300-800 above stock. Our price on this torque converter is $425.00 +shipping. The reason we recommend this piece is because of its good drivability, and durability. We do these on an exchange basis. The turnaround time for this torque converter is usually 1-2 days. Once again thanks what do you guys this? trust em? it seems pretty reasonable to me, but with enough support from you guys, i will try this piece of work out. protorque is a straight shooter shop...BUT..you MUST have the TC installed by a tranny tech for them to honor their warranty. when i went there to pick up the TC they asked me who was the rebuilder before they would even give me the warranty. warranty (i believe) is 1 year. they do answer phones...so if you need to call you can. the TCs are pretty heavy so be ready for hefty shipping fees. also notice they mentioned the stall speed to be XXX-XXX above stock. they don't say exactly what stall you have because like SK mentioned it's all dependent on what power you're putting down. more power = higher stall. it will give u extra heat in the ATF..so cooler is recommended if not required. your MPG will decrease if you're in local traffic a lot. hwy should be the same or close. what also helps is adding a shift kit. it'll give you firmer shifts and less slip. not sure where you go to do that for the lexus but it's mainly valve body adjustment and if your tranny has some miles on it solonoid replacement.
Lextreme Posted February 4, 2004 Posted February 4, 2004 What is the different between 2000 rpm stall speed and 3000 rpm stall speed? Just the angle of the fins.
SKperformance Posted February 4, 2004 Posted February 4, 2004 a little more than the angle but it really is just the setup of the fins being resized and angled to allow a lower coefficent of liquid friction
BlackSC4 Posted February 6, 2004 Author Posted February 6, 2004 GREAT NEWS EVERYONE! you can buy the dragon torque converter straight from precision. heres the email a rep sent me: You can buy direct from us. The Dragon for your car sells for $734.58 and comes with a 2 year warranty. Precision Industries 800-649-7866 that's a hell lot better than 900!
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