Torque Converter-lockup?
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Myrtle Point, Or
Torque Converter-lockup?
I've been thinking of ways to improve my gas mileage on my '89 Bronco. 8Mpg kinda sucks after a while, when it's your everyday driver. So would a luck-up torque converter help with this, or will it cause new problems?
'89 Bronco, 351 c6 33" superswampers. Full lenth headers, true dual sidepipes, K&N filter, a little over 3,000 miles on motor.
'89 Bronco, 351 c6 33" superswampers. Full lenth headers, true dual sidepipes, K&N filter, a little over 3,000 miles on motor.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Concord NC
89 Bronc probably has an E4OD tranny that already locks up the converter (to a point) by itself. Havent thought about trying this, but it seems to me that this might cause some probs, puter related and all. Just a though though, good luck
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
I thought '89 was a little pre lock-up torque converters in terms of stock configurations and as for putting one in I have an '86 Chevy beater that had a lock-up torque converter installed and boosted mpg's a whopping 3 miles on the highway. It does add up though not sure what went into putting that in though previous owner did it. Give it a whirl and let us know how it goes.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Myrtle Point, Or
No, it is a 3-speed C6, 8 mpg is city, well going back and forth to work, I don't know what it is for highway. As for other problems, there shoudn't be anything. 12 is the rated highway mileage for it back in '89. I still have the window sticker.
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Concord NC
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Concord NC
I cant think of any puter problems since the engine is the only thing the puter is futzing with. Only thing to think about off road is that locking up the converter gets rid of the gear reduction it gives you and may be a problem in the mud, just depends on what kind of power you're making and where. Porbably work good for towing though, by the time it locks up you should be making plenty of juice, and you'll get better mileage. Godd luck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
If you put one in it will have to on a toggle switch. I had a switch to lock up my converter on a diesel that I had. If I didn't turn the switch off it would act like the trans was going nuts when stopping and starting off. The converter should only be locked up in 3rd gear.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
In my '86 it acts like something of an overdrive that will only kick in in third gear. You can feel it come on and there is no switch to engage it. I thought it was something of a fluidity thing that engaged through laws of fluid motion????
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
http://www.technicalevolution.com/tcc.htm - This website gives a little insight into what a lock-up torque converter is/does.