Lock up terminalogy vs non lockup

[Walt03]

Not knowing anything about transmissions, could someone explain the following:

Is the difference between a lock up and non-lock up converter mean that
the lock up converter shifts into overdrive and the non-lock up stays in third gear??

How does the Lock up switch come into play when you apply it manually?

Thanks

 

[mikestertwo]

Not knowing anything about transmissions, could someone explain the following:

Is the difference between a lock up and non-lock up converter mean that
the lock up converter shifts into overdrive and the non-lock up stays in third gear??

How does the Lock up switch come into play when you apply it manually?

Thanks

A lockup converter has a clutch in it that when applied connects the input shaft of the trans directly to the flywheel of the motor like a manual clutch car. The non-lockup converter does not have the clutch inside it. Has nothing to do with the gear the trans is in. A manual lockup switch just overrides the computer to lock the clutch.

 

[Walt03]

Good Explanation Mikestertwo!
Thanks

 

[FreeBoost]

A lock-up torque converter includes a lock-up clutch to improve cruising power transmission efficiency. The application of the clutch locks the turbine to the pump, causing all power transmission to be mechanical, thus eliminating losses associated with fluid drive. When the converter locks up it will feel like the transmission has shifted gears because the input and output speeds will suddenly match. The lock up switch overrides the computer and activates the solenoid that engages the lock-up clutch. The idea is to eliminate the losses through the converter. In my experience, if you are running significantly more power than stock, the lock-up will burn out. I burnt out a TCI Street Fighter with a chip that locked up the converter at about 95 mph and WOT. This was at only 400 rwhp.

Edit - Sorry for repeating - didn't see mikestertwo reply

 

[Walt03]

Thanks for additional info Freeboost.
Walt