Thread: Torque converter - driving in 3rd

That's how I drive mine. Always in 3rd till I get into an 80+ zone. Towing it stays in 3rd till i know I can get to 85-90.

Originally Posted by surfingooner

Was reading post about how the converter locks up quicker when using the gearbox, since it only changes into top when at 80, why not drive it in 3rd when about town ?

just drove home and did this for 5 minutes, but made a big difference when put foot down. I have never read a post suggesting this before so thought I would throw it out there and see what people have to say ?

This is from the Owners Manual:

‘3’ (1st, 2nd and 3rd gears)Automatic gear changing is limited to first,
second and third gears only.
In high range, use this position in congested traffic conditions and for town driving.

LR obviously agree with you.

I too agree with LR - convinced my brother to drive his auto D2 the same way. Before.. to use his own words " i just select D for "dat way" indicating forwards with his finger

Couple of times now where I have to go up a fairly long steep hill near home, used to get tops 80 when playing the throttle right. Now it locks up in 3rd, she flies along and when get to top of hill at 100 change to 4th. It has been joyous !!

I have been watching the rev counter a lot and when accelerating reasonable hard, the car spends so much time at 2,750 to 3,000 revs. Just not in the so enjoyable turbo torque range.

Have to start saving for an Ashcoft heavy duty converter, 315 pounds exchange plus fitting which I think is best part of $1,000. No way I can fit that myself, but reading the write ups it sounds so worth it.

Surfingooner

Try Torque Converter Technologies in Springvale, I have found them very good to deal with.

Fitting I have been quoted $580 inc service, hope he sticks to it when I want it done, (not TCT).

Regards

Mike

Originally Posted by nismine01

Surfingooner

Try Torque Converter Technologies in Springvale, I have found them very good to deal with.

Fitting I have been quoted $580 inc service, hope he sticks to it when I want it done, (not TCT).

Regards

Mike

Thanks Mike, will give them a call and see what they say, I have another post going about not revving past 3,000 rpm and since playing around a bit with the box and lock-up I am sure the problem lies with the torque converter.

Tough question but how will the upgrade compare to the V8 converter from Ashcroft ? The reviews from anyone who has bought for one of these is very positive, but costs a fair bit more mind. v8 Converter is 315 pounds, and I was quoted circa $900 to fit which included a service of the box.

Originally Posted by surfingooner

Thanks Mike, will give them a call and see what they say, I have another post going about not revving past 3,000 rpm and since playing around a bit with the box and lock-up I am sure the problem lies with the torque converter.

Tough question but how will the upgrade compare to the V8 converter from Ashcroft ? The reviews from anyone who has bought for one of these is very positive, but costs a fair bit more mind. v8 Converter is 315 pounds, and I was quoted circa $900 to fit which included a service of the box.

Just re-reading you post, I think you are saying $580 to fit an Ashcroft TC, think I am being blonde !

The story is, I have a dispute with a company and needed a quote for the court case for refitting my TCT converter.

The company I went to, quoted the $580, trans out TC fitted trans back in. It might not still be valid, it was a year ago, don't court cases just drag on?

The original price from the company that stuffed up the TC in the first place averaged out (did the job twice) around $850.

Cheers

Mike