Hey, I'm looking into getting a torque convertor and shift kit for my 94 lightning and was wondering waht the best choice was. I've searched the lists at NLOC and they were very informative. I'm probably going to go with the LEVEL 10 convertor with the 3 clutches and the billet housing that SAL has, and probably the LEVEL 10 shift kit with the street/strip springs.
I'd appreceiate any input on the subject that you may have and if you could tell me a little about the function of "convertor lockup" and what it affects performance wise.
The truck is still speed density with only exhaust mods and tuning and it's currently running low 14's.

sorry for the long post. Thanx.

Dave 94 lightning.

 

Dave,

I think that converter is DEFINITELY the one to get. It's a fabulous piece and if I ever decide to put a converter in my truck, that's the one (and that's beside the fact that you get a 10% discount from Level 10 if you're an NLOC member).

The converter lockup does pretty much what it sounds like - it rigidly locks the torque converter electronically at programmed speeds. Non-lockup converters have some percentage of slip all the time, even when they're in their operating range.

The lockup improves mileage, reduces tranny temperatures, and decreases slip-induced wear within the transmission. It's critical, in my opinion, if you're ever going to tow with the truck.

On the down side, the lockup prevents the engine from "free-spinning" the converter even a little bit. That free-spin is worth RPM and that RPM, depending on cam profile and such, could be worth significant hp - just like with the stall speed. ONce you reach a certain speed, though, you really want the lockup so that you're not losing power to the slip.

Sal has programmed my lockup to stay off completely in second gear and not come on at WOT until 85 mph in third. This gives me the benefit of some degree of slip in the lower gears and then clamps the converter down to eek every bit of HP out of the combo at higher RPMs.

The lockup works pretty much normally at less than WOT, though.... which means around town and on the highway the truck behaves pretty much as stock. Electronics are fun things once they're sorted out.

Any other questions, please feel free to ask!
Jeff S.
SVT Lightning #74 in '95
http://nloc.org

 

Jeff: Thanx for the informative reply, do you have the part #'s by any chance?..they aren't on the NLOC parts list. I need the #'s for the convertor and the shift kit.

Thanx again. Dave.

 

I had Level Ten stuff on my lightning... Wow ,,, Look out. It held up to get my 94 lightning Twin supercharded mass air into the low 11's ran a best of 11.06 1/4 mile... Best truck I ever owned... Raced a lot of 99's smoked them all I even gave a few guys a head start.

 

Just call Pat Barret over at Level 10, (973) 827-1000. Tell him what you need and he knows exactly what to set you up with.

Those part numbers would be a good addition to the list.

Later!
Jeff S.
http://nloc.org

 

thanx Jeff.