Torque Converter
 

Well, the search function appears to be broken so if this has been discussed ad nauseum, I apologize.

First, can some of you guys give me a list of things I might notice if my torque converter was failing?

Second, what is a reasonable budget to be shopping in for a new converter? I've seen them from $150 to $1500. For everyone who recommends someone to deal with, there always seems to be 3 people who disagree. In my mind, I'm thinking I can get a decent converter for my ride for $300 to $400. Am I dreaming? I don't need to handle 1500 horsepower or anything. I'm relatively stock now and even once I do my planned upgrades probably won't be pushing more than 350 to 400. Granted, once I hit 400 I may want more, but that can be dealt with then as I see it taking me at least 2 years to get to the 400 mark.

The reason I bring all this up, is my car just doesn't seem to want to respond at low RPMs. I know I'm making very little HP down low, but if I don't floor the pedal, I can't seem to get the tranny to kick into a lower gear. Then, when I do mash it, it seems to drop too low and I'm redlining then shifting up almost instantly. I thought the stock converter was supposed to allow the motor to jump to about 1800 RPM before it locked up, but it acts like it's locked up at 1200 to 1300 RPM and I can't get it to let go without flooring the car. Maybe I'm just paranoid about the auto and am too used to sticks, but it really seems like the auto is a HUGE drag on my car.

Thoughts?

Oh, do I need to contact the dealer to find out if I have the 4R75W tranny or the 4R70W? I can't find anything that tells me which one is in the car and there doesn't seem to be consensus on whether all 04 GTs came with the 75 or not.

RE: Torque Converter
 

One name to keep in mind is TCI. TCI converters are a little more expensive, but you pay for what you get.

RE: Torque Converter
 

Another good company is PI. Their Stallion torque converters are high-quality. I have one installed in my 01 GT and I couldnt be happier with it. Its got a 3200 stall. If/when you do replace yours, I highly recommend looking into PI. Also get one with a fairly high stall. By far the best mod you can do to a car with an auto tranny.

RE: Torque Converter
 

Is the company just called "PI"? I want to check them out!

RE: Torque Converter
 

make sure you get a multi disc one.

RE: Torque Converter
 

The company is actually called Precision Industries. They're a little pricey, but well worth it. Make sure you get one matched to your cams specs.

RE: Torque Converter
 

You only need to get a multi-disc one if you are using it in a high-power application. Unless you are making over 400 rwhp or torque, the single-disc one is more than tough enough. One supporting mod that I highly recommend is a tranny cooler. Due to the slippage from a converter with a high stall, your tranny temps will rise and excess heat is one of the largest contributors to premature tranny failure. A good cooler can drop your temps by up to 30% which will protect that new investment. TCI makes some pretty decent ones. They are easy to install and are priced well. A good site to get them at is http://www.rpmoutlet.com/musv8acu.htm#11.