Has anyone near the So. Cal area been sucessful with getting a torque converter from the big (DTT, Hughes, etc.) manufactures? I wouldn't mind a little drive to get it done. I think I read of someone (it might be on the TDR) site on someone who got a Hughes XFM15 solid stator design (which is the way I want to go) converter and loved it. I would probable go with DTT but BK said there is nobody in the Southern Cal region that does install his converter. I blow through my far too easily!

thanks,
brad

 

Are you talking about having a custom one made, or using the "standard" one for our application?

I'm running the Hughes "off the shelf" converter and I'm very happy with it.

 

Bill K said to go with an 89% instead of the 91 or still tighter 93%. I know all is relative to the power of your engine. I don't plan on exceeding 250 hp and never 300 (I swear, honest, cross my heart....) What kind did you end up with Dan?

 

Brad, you really should go with their recommendation regarding converts.....
The 89% will give you "a bit of room" to let the engine gather a bit of RPM before it tightens up on you.
If you plan on going for 350+ RWHP then you could consider the 91H but ONLY if you are going to crank that ole girl up a fair bit more.
I also think the towing VB with very firm shifts is the also the right choice for us 1st genners who are in the "under 350HP class"

pb.....

 

I don't know what the % specs are for the Hughes converter, but it is definately tighter than the stocker, and I noticed a big difference after swapping it in. You can call Hughes at (520) 792-1569 and talk to Dale - he is very knowledgable and helpful, and may be able to give you the specs.

 

Thanks Dan, Pastor. Yea the 89% sounds like the deal, I just need to contact someone not too too far from southern cal to drive to so I can have it installed. I drove a truck with a tighter converter and it was so different! Quite the lunge when it shifted under full throttle! Like I mentioned, I punch mine and it's 2900 rpms and stays there why my truck shifts through the gears. I'll give Dale a call too.

brad

 

Brad,

I have the same phenomenon...It's like a snowmobile! Engine stays the same rpm no matter what. I did adjust my bands a few weeks past. And that made a significant difference. I found that both bands were quite loose. The procedure is in any manuel. All you need is an inch*pound torque wrench. I found that after adjusting the bands, the rpms dip a bit when the shifts accure, I can actually feel the shifts now, the cruising rpms have lowered just a touch...maybe 50 to 100 rpms, and the transmission temps are a bit cooler as well.

 

It's time for a tranny service so I will have that checked, thanks Tuckerdee! Any other comments on torque converters I can check out. Hughes might be the only choice. Driving to Canada is not in the cards for now!

thanks for your responses,

brad

 

Tuckerdee:

how does the band adjustment affect shift quality? I thought increase line pressure does this or is that something totally different?

brad

 

Well...in my case I think my shifts were improved because my bands were fairly loose. So now, after a proper adjustment, I essentially have a better "clamp" when the darn thing decides to shift. The shift from 3rd to OD was the most improved...and that band was pretty loose. I probably ended up 2 full turns further in after the adjustement. The 1st to 2nd shift is crisper now too. 2nd to 3rd isn't much different. All's I know for sure, is that it's better now!

 

Stock dodge diesel converter`s stink! It`s like driving the equivalent of a muscle car with a teeny tiny 9 incher...Soooo much un-tapped potential, I cannot wait for the day i change mine.

 

I know I am in the minority here, but how about a T/C recommendation for us with the 727. Or would you run the same T/C as you with the OD are running? I am having many of the same symptoms as described above.

 

The converter is the same between the 727 and the non-lockup A518. The Hughes converter I used in mine is actually listed in the 727 section of their catalog.

 

Dan what 727 gasser uses the same converter as the non lockup 518 ? Please tell me everything you can about what is similar between a 518 and a 727- for example is a big block 727 front case the same as a 518 ? I just picked up a 92 intercooled engine and coolers and i am going to get creative- thinking about putting it in a74 or older power wagon with a gear to gear divorced style transfer case with a built auto+ some injectors and a little pump work- could be interesting I would like to know anything you and the others here can tell us about such swaps . Thanks

 

No, gassers use different converters. I was referring to the diesel converters used in the 727-equipped 89-91 CTD trucks. The 727 and A518 are the same basic transmission, one just has overdrive.

AFAIK, the bolt patterns are different between the diesel and gas transmissions and converters.

Sorry for the confusion.