Anyone ever thought of installing a rpm activated "window" switch like those used for nitrous/timing retard from MSD ignition to control torque converter lockup? I am thinking of buying the MSD diesel tach control (used to operate a tach with input from injector) and wire up a rpm window switch to lock up my converter at approx 1800 rpm. Then set to unlock at 1300 rpm or so. I want to try this so I dont have to manually switch on/off all the time and not worry about forgetting to unlock when comming to a stop. I am installing a Gorend trans with input shaft and tripple disc and can take atvantage of upshift while in lockup without breaking anything. But sometimes I drive very easy (take off and never reach 1800) so then it wont lockup until I do reach desired rpm. I may have to wire this with a couple relays/and or ohm resisters. I am going to set lockup rpm at a "comfortable" rpm to my driving at a point when unlocked fluid coupling in the converter is at near 100% as to not "work" the clutch hard when it engages. I feel that over time constant lockup when it must really work to stop must cause unnessessary wear on the clutch wether it is a tripple disc or not. This may be near 2000 rpm and would vary for each dirver/driver style. I may even get an adjustable switch and mount it inside center console so if I need to change it for towing/racing I can do it easily on the fly. And not spend $500 for the ATS co-pilot. And that works off of speed, not rpm. So sometimes your trans shifts into next gear before lockup occurs and then a tremendous rpm drop when engagement occurs. I hope this works. If it does and is economical I will put together a kit for sale. Any insite would be helpful on this design.

 

sounds like a great idea, very interesting, finding the parts to get it all together and easy to install is always the tricky part, good luck and keep us posted. I know I would be interested in the final product. dang slushbox !

 

Won't work on a common-rail diesel like your '03. That sensor is designed to clamp on an injector line and sense the vibration from the injection event.

 

The MSD item I am looking at is part number 8918. It senses "GiantMagnetoresistive" signal, or GMR. I assume it will work on my 03.

 

Right you are, sir. I was thinking of a different style (obviously).

 

If the MSD is sensing injector firing what does it do differently between your 98 that has 1 event per cycle and your 03 that has 4 events per cycle?

 

Maybe there is a item from Autometer or some other company that offers tach's for diesels that has a sensor to work with the 03-up model if the MSD won't, I'll have to make some calls Monday. It may be as simple as finding the factory tach wire and tap into it. Not sure if the MSD switch will read that signal.

 

Just talked to MSD. The GMR pickup control will work and it will operate the digital rpm window switch. I think it will be user friendly to either switch it on manually ( but the rpm's must be higher than switch rpm setting to work) then it will shut off when rpm's drop below 1400 rpm's. ( or whatever setting you want) Or it could be wired to come on at 1800 rpm's and only have power from a micro switch installed on the brake pedal, so it only has power when brake pedal is up. This way it will unlock converter when brake is applied. I think I can offer this setup for about $200 or so. Way less than the ATS co-pilot or the BD item.

 

Looking at the instructions for the MSD rpm window switch it can be set to unlock at a lower rpm than the lockup. I was unsure of this at first- thus suggesting the brake switch. But this can be installed with or without the brake microswitch or manual activation switch.

 

I was contemplating doing something similar, was this ever given a try? I wanted something RPM regulated not speed like the Copilot.

[I have a 97]

-Dustin-

 

Won't work correctly on a diesel unless the rpm is set unrealistically high. Speed is the best monitor to control lockup.