Should I lock my Vigilante at WOT?

[Flyin Brian]

I recently got the TT SD chip and it gives me the option to lock the converter at a set mph. I have a built transmission and a Precision vigilante multi disk lock up 3500 stall converter. I have never locked it but since I built my stroker motor I am definitely driving through the torque converter and going into 4th gear before the finish line. I hear it is hard on the trans and converter to lock at WOT but it IS built for that. Should I try locking at WOT? Is that bad for the transmission or is going into 4th at WOT just as bad? I do plan on changing to a non-lock PTC someday, maybe next year. Thanks for the input.

 

[Slow91z]

Short answer I'd lock it, but my question is you say it goes into 4th...how many rpm's does it turn if you leave it in 3rd?

 

[Flyin Brian]

Short answer I'd lock it, but my question is you say it goes into 4th...how many rpm's does it turn if you leave it in 3rd?

Running it in drive it shifts from 3rd to 4th at 5750 rpm (about 100 mph). I hit around 120 in the traps. Have not tried holding it in third. Engine is good for 6000 RPM easy. Should I try holding it in third?

 

[bison]

5750@100mph. My PTC 9.5" is at 5800@140mph in 3rd. Lock it

 

[we4Mateo]

^^^^^What he said. I have a 2700'ish multi disc VIG and it sucks for efficiency even with my turbo at 5k rpm, but when you lock it, man it hauls. Really makes the last half of the track fun, but leave it in 3rd. Your 4th gear planet is probably only living because you are driving through the converter. 4th gear probably won't take a lockup. I run a switch at the track. My chip has the capability but I'm always worried I'll leave it in 4th and it'll lock on the street if I enable it and forget to turn it back off. I lock it at the track as soon as it shifts into third and that really makes it pull hard!

 

[JP112_89]

Yep, lock it as soon as you hit 3rd gear. Your pissing away horsepower with it unlocked.

Joe

 

[Blazer406]

I tend to agree..... and I went through this decision before I had my tranny built. When you say "built".... what do you mean? I think there are a few "must-have" mods when you plan on locking the converter at WOT. It is definately hard on the tranny. IMHO, you need at a minimum...... a billet shafted forward drum and you need to dual feed the direct clutches.... It probably goes without saying you need a big servo too.... and a larger boost valve.

I'd be interested to hear what other people did to their 200's that lock a vigilante @ WOT and are making 10 sec or faster power. When you should lock it also seems to differ from person to person. This would be good to know info.

 

[Pronto]

What about locking 9/11's?

 

[Blazer406]

What about locking 9/11's?

I don't know enough about 9/11's to know if they are as hard on hard parts as the vigilante. I know my 5-disk is like dumping the clutch on a LS1 car... it locks hard. It feels like you grabbed a kit of nitrous when it locks at the right RPM.

 

[Flyin Brian]

I tend to agree..... and I went through this decision before I had my tranny built. When you say "built".... what do you mean? I think there are a few "must-have" mods when you plan on locking the converter at WOT. It is definately hard on the tranny. IMHO, you need at a minimum...... a billet shafted forward drum and you need to dual feed the direct clutches.... It probably goes without saying you need a big servo too.... and a larger boost valve.

I'd be interested to hear what other people did to their 200's that lock a vigilante @ WOT and are making 10 sec or faster power. When you should lock it also seems to differ from person to person. This would be good to know info.

Everything except the input shaft is billet. It was built by Mike Kurtz of Century Transmission here in the Houston area. He is a well known turbo Buick guy. I don't have my build sheet handy but I am sure he put all the right mods in it. It was their stage 2 build and came with the Vigilante converter. Looks like I will try locking it the next time I am at the track. I will try to do a before and after and post the results. Thanks for all the input!

 

[Blazer406]

I forgot.... mine has the billet input shaft too.... and I also think it is a good idea to have as well....

 

[Grumpy]

What about locking 9/11's?

whats this post ??? Bait ?? No problem locking ours in a street driven car.. As far as a Vig ... lock it up.. Lots of fast cars up here do it all the time.

 

[jarredsoon]

I had a stroker and a vig multi disc and locked it in third every time. No problems at all. For sure the way to go!!