[NiftySVX]

Sorry People

You are certainly entitled to your own opinion.
Let me explain.

A torque converter contains no gears. it works by slinging fluid between the impeller and turbine. The fluid is trown by the turbine from its fins at the impeller whose fins are angled the opposite way. This is what moves the car. Thats right, the fluid is what turns the transmission. The converter can "slip" (the turbine and propeller turn at different speeds) to allow more torque to be developed by the engine. This is why there is SOMETIMES a rpm drop when converter locks up. The converter also contains a clutch. when the TCU sends a signal to the lockup solenoid, it opens and allows pressurized fluid to push the clutch aginst the housing. This allows a 1:1 ratio, taking the converter out of the picture. It just sits there and spins like a drum.

1. A locked converter will not create additional heat because when it is locked it just acts like it was welded together, there is no speed difference between impeller and turbine. I also have a tranny temp gauge, and if you are observing a temp increase it is likely because of the high clutch drum. (this is what goes out when you loose overdrive) The high clutch drum was one of the first modifications. It is only used in 4th gear(overdrive).

2. large amounts of heat are created whenever there is slipping going on in the transmission, such as when shifting, or when the multi-plate clutch (awd) is operating(when there is a difference in speed between the front diff and the rear tailshaft). Slippage must occur otherwise the tranny would just bang into gear and it wouldn't last long.

3. An automatic tranny uses planetary gearsets to obtain the different gear ratios, a planetary gearset is capable of different ratios by holding different parts of it stationary. This is difficult to explain, so I reccomend doing a search and reading someone else's explanation.

4. A manual transmission uses a dry clutch that works with springs and a friction material against a flywheel.

5. A manual transmission does not use planetary gearsets. It uses gears that are akin to the ones in a clock.

6. A manual tranny uses a heavy weight oil that has little additives in it.

7. An automatic transmission uses an oil that is 95% man-made additives (detergents, friction modifiers, and many, many more).
Only about 5% is actual oil.

8. I have to go eat dinner. Hope this helps you guys see what I was talking about. An automatic transmission is a fascinating device that was created by some smart people.

Enjoy,
NiftySVX