New Torque Converter

[Architect]

Couple of questions...
If I install a new torque converter...is it visable to a mechanic during normal service...?...;)
Anyone got a rough cost to install a new converter...?
Is the 3500 Converter OK for everyday street or would the 3000 be better...?
Thanks as always for everyone's excellant input....and opinion...:D
Architect

[Rider90]

Couple of questions...
If I install a new torque converter...is it visable to a mechanic during normal service...?...;)
Not visually, but he will notice when he drives it into the shop.

[Pat]

Architect;

I had my PI 3500 stall converter installed on 21 Nov 06 by a local transmission shop. The dealer said they could and would do it too. I chose the local Tranny shop based upon recomendations.

My cost to install was $392.00, 5.6 hrs labor by the book. Fluid was 21.25 Ford Mercon V. I haven't had any problems with the hardware or the installation.

As to which converter to choose 3000 or 3500. I also pondered that question and chose the 3500 based upon expert recomendations.

I haven't regretted it. The car drives normal but when you give it part throttle or WOT it steps out right smartly, meaning, it really moves out.

The prevailing wisdom is that the stall rpm should match the torque curve at the 80% point. So, our MM's start producing real power at around 3800 to 4000 RPM. So the 3500 would be better suited that the 3000.

Having said that both torque converter speeds will be an improvedment over stock.

My gas economy on the highway improved. Can't say what the mileage difference is on the street cause I can't keep my foot out of it. I just drag race myself all the time.

Without any effort my car is at 50 miles per hour and everybody else is just getting moving from the stop lite.

As far as the mech's telling if something is not stock, I could'nt say since all my dealer people know I'm highly modified and they look forward to seeing what else I've done since the last time they serviced the car. I've got 36K on the trip meter now.

I know it's an expensive mod, parts and labor, but well worth it, short of an S/C.

Pat :burnout:

[Dennis Reinhart]

Couple of questions...
If I install a new torque converter...is it visable to a mechanic during normal service...?...;)
Anyone got a rough cost to install a new converter...?
Is the 3500 Converter OK for everyday street or would the 3000 be better...?
Thanks as always for everyone's excellant input....and opinion...:D
Architect

The 3500 is a very good converter, the average cost to install it is about 300.00
I have one in stock, the only way to see the converter is to pull the rubber inspection plug at the bottom of the transmission

[RCSignals]

Couple of questions...
If I install a new torque converter...is it visable to a mechanic during normal service...?...;)
Anyone got a rough cost to install a new converter...?
Is the 3500 Converter OK for everyday street or would the 3000 be better...?
Thanks as always for everyone's excellant input....and opinion...:D
Architect

A mechanic can't see it unless he looks for it.

I got one for the CVPI from Innovative Interceptors

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I'm sorry but gas mileage on the highway improving with the converter swap? Um, the converter is locked on the highway, meaning the stall speed means zero to cruise gas mileage. Unless you have a custom PCM tune with modified lockup tables and you cruise below the TCC lockup speed on the highway. TCC locked is locked, zero slip, direct drive.

[RedMerc04]

I'm sorry but gas mileage on the highway improving with the converter swap? Um, the converter is locked on the highway, meaning the stall speed means zero to cruise gas mileage. Unless you have a custom PCM tune with modified lockup tables and you cruise below the TCC lockup speed on the highway. TCC locked is locked, zero slip, direct drive.
I think its because the PI converter is lighter than the stocker. I think it has a 9 inch diameter rather than the stockers 11 inches so Id imagine that there is less energy wasted spinning the converter, which results in better highway mileage. Just an educated guess

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

A lighter mass will accelerate faster, but once it is at steady state cruise?

[Architect]

Architect;

I had my PI 3500 stall converter installed on 21 Nov 06 by a local transmission shop.......................... .............................. ....
I know it's an expensive mod, parts and labor, but well worth it, short of an S/C.

Pat :burnout:
Thanks Pat...a lot of good info...
I noticed that you run a 4:10 gear....I already have that...
I believe I'll go with the 3500...:D
Thanks again to all who responded...
Architect

[Pat]

I'm sorry but gas mileage on the highway improving with the converter swap? Um, the converter is locked on the highway, meaning the stall speed means zero to cruise gas mileage. Unless you have a custom PCM tune with modified lockup tables and you cruise below the TCC lockup speed on the highway. TCC locked is locked, zero slip, direct drive.

VicsEvilBrother;I agree with your analysis and actually was expecting gas mileage to suffer a little. I asked my Marauder, Silverback, about this and he said "Pat, I knew you wouldn't be happy with me if the gas mileage went down, rising costs and all, so I contrived to reset my hardware and deliver .8955 more miles per gallon than usual." "I hope your not mad at me?" Silerback, I said, I'm never mad at you, thanks for thinking of me, keep up the good work."So, VEB, what can I say, you heard it from the horses, err Gorilla's, mouth.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Hey, I'm not going to be one to argue with a Marauder. Especially if you got these words directly from its mouth. The Marauder weighs about 4100 pounds more than me, so it would take me in a street fight.

[fastblackmerc]

If your interested in a TC call the guy at PI, he'll explain everything and recommend what you should get based on your current setup and what you plan on doind as far as mods in the future.

[Dennis Reinhart]

If your interested in a TC call the guy at PI, he'll explain everything and recommend what you should get based on your current setup and what you plan on doind as far as mods in the future.


I am a PI dealer just give me a call, I will go over every thing with you, and if you have any more questions, I will get Jack on the phone with us.:beer:

[Svashtar]

Doh! I bought the 3000 because that what's Dennis was selling at the time in late '05. Ironically I just had it installed last week when I finally sc***** up the $.

The mechanic said he thought the stocker was about a 1500 stall. Although the PI web site says that max 3000 is best for street use, I would have gone with the 3500 had it been an option at the time (maybe it was and I just missed it?), and based on this new info I'm reading. Guess I could have done better. Not the first time...

But, I have an N/A car, and I think a lot of guys have the 3000's from before, so I'm not too worried about it. The car drives great now.



Norm

[Architect]

I am a PI dealer just give me a call, I will go over every thing with you, and if you have any more questions, I will get Jack on the phone with us.:beer:
Don't worry Dennis, I'll be calling when I've got the money rounded up...:)
I do have one more question for EVERYONE...
I understand transmission heat may be a problem...now I don't race this car...I just occasionally like to have the strong torque feel...
I am located in Memphis and it does get hot here in July-August...:sunshine:
Thanks, Architect

[fastblackmerc]

Install an aftermarket trans cooler. I install one on all my cars regardless of any upgrades.

[burt ragio]

What is the recomended mfg on trans coolers? What is the average installation time? Is there any rule of thumb on when one should be installed other than towing or drag raceing? What is the normal trans operating temp. under normal driveing conditions vs spirited driveing? What is the temp that mercom V breaks down ? I think the answer to these questions could help me make a decision on the need and added expense of a trans cooler.

[sailsmen]

since the engine is more expensive than the trans my philosophy is that any trans cooler should not affect the radiator.

the oem is a large and effective trans cooler.

some have had good luck with the FRP cooler in the fender well as a suppliment to the oem.

[Architect]

After installation of 3500 Torque Converter...
should I return my XCalibrator for a new program to complete the install?
Thanks again,
architect

[RCSignals]

What is the recomended mfg on trans coolers? What is the average installation time? Is there any rule of thumb on when one should be installed other than towing or drag raceing? What is the normal trans operating temp. under normal driveing conditions vs spirited driveing? What is the temp that mercom V breaks down ? I think the answer to these questions could help me make a decision on the need and added expense of a trans cooler.

as pointed out by sailsmen, the car already has a good transmission cooler, and it isn't just a tube added inside the radiator.
Also has a power steering fluid cooler.

[ckadiddle]

as pointed out by sailsmen, the car already has a good transmission cooler, and it isn't just a tube added inside the radiator.
Also has a power steering fluid cooler.

Dang...I learn something new every day..... are the trans and pwr steering coolers standard on CV and GMs also or are they Marauder specific items?

[Drock96Marquis]

Dang...I learn something new every day..... are the trans and pwr steering coolers standard on CV and GMs also or are they Marauder specific items?It is standard equipment on all 1998+ panthers.

It is a single cooler, with dual circuits - one for the ATF the other Power Steering.(the power steering system uses Mercon, btw)

It is located between the radiator and A/C condensor.



Mercon V is a semi-synth ATF, it breaks down at much higher temps than Mercon. The factory transmission cooler is more than adequete.

Adding an additional transmission cooler will slow down ATF flow rate, which can lead to premature wear/damage if the flow becomes too little.



The FRPP stacked-plate cooler is similar to the B&M stacked plate coolers - I think I heard they make them for FRPP, but don't know for sure.

[Architect]

After installation of 3500 Torque Converter...
should I return my XCalibrator for a new program to complete the install?
Thanks again,
architect
Hey...what about my question.... :help: ...Should I have my Xcalibrator reprogramed to take into consideration the 3500 Torque Converter :confused:
:thanks:for the information...
Architect...

[Zack]

Hey...what about my question.... :help: ...Should I have my Xcalibrator reprogramed to take into consideration the 3500 Torque Converter :confused:
:thanks:for the information...
Architect...

You dont need anything re-programmed.