Vigilante single disc lock up question

[slipstick]

I have a Vigilante single disc torque converter which locks up fine during normal street driving. I know it is not recommended to lock this converter at WOT but I have tried locking it on the strip at 75 mph via my extender chip. The converter did not lock during the run (which did not surprise me). I have been wondering if the converter would lock if I set it for lock up at 100 mph? My logic for the question is that at 100+ mph the TC slippage is less than at 75 mph and this lesser rpm differential between the TC turbine and the motor (TC pump) may be sufficient to allow the converter to lock up. Also, I think the torque applied to the converter at 100+ mph may be less than at 75 mph. My GN runs mid 11's at 116+ mph with the Vigilante unlocked and showing 10+% slippage crossing the 1/4 mile finish line. I know the proper way to answer my curiosity is to simply test by locking the TC at 100 mph on the track; however, my track is closed for the winter. Anyway, I like discussing theories and possibilities. What are your thoughts as to whether or not the converter will be more likely to lock at 100 mph vs. 75 mph??

 

[BEATAV8]

If the ECM commands it to lock... then it will lock. Why do you think it did not lock up at 75mph WOT? A weak TCC solenoid could be a problem. If your scan tool shows the TCC is locked but you know that it is not, then the solenoid has something wrong with it or the TC clutch is already toast.

I tried to lock my vigilante single disc at 75mph and blew right through it. 11% slip locked and 18% unlocked through the traps. Car runs 10's. I'm switching to a PTC non-lock.

 

[slipstick]

MJRWOOD and others
I believe the signal to the solenoid and the solenoid reaction is proper. The solenoid is a relatively new 700r4 model and it works fine at less than WOT. My logic is that the single disc clutch is just not sufficient to lock and hold at 75 mph, but may be capable of holding at 100 mph because the converter turbine and pump are spinning closer to the same rpm at 100 mph than at 75 mph; therefore requiring less holding force to iniate and hold a lock between them. Is this logic flawed?

 

[blackplague]

The vig single disc in it's stock configuration is bonded with tan raybestos paper. It will lock at wot a few times, but tan paper isn't going to hold the power your making forever. If it won't lock at wot now, you've either toasted the disc or glazed it over real bad. The few vigalante's that i've rebuilt ,I bonded with the carbon clutch material. So far they have been taking a punshment with no problems.

 

[blackplague]

The vig single disc in it's stock configuration is bonded with tan raybestos paper. It will lock at wot a few times, but tan paper isn't going to hold the power your making forever. If it won't lock at wot now, you've either toasted the disc or glazed it over real bad. The few vigalante's that i've rebuilt I bonded with the carbon clutch material. So far they have been taking WOT punshment with no problems.

 

[BEATAV8]

MJRWOOD and others
I believe the signal to the solenoid and the solenoid reaction is proper. The solenoid is a relatively new 700r4 model and it works fine at less than WOT. My logic is that the single disc clutch is just not sufficient to lock and hold at 75 mph, but may be capable of holding at 100 mph because the converter turbine and pump are spinning closer to the same rpm at 100 mph than at 75 mph; therefore requiring less holding force to iniate and hold a lock between them. Is this logic flawed?

Your logic is correct, it's less of a stretch to lock up when the relative RPM's are closer, but I would venture to say it'll probably still slip the clutch and burn it up after doing it a few times.