GRAND PRIX 79 Grand Prix Resurrection

gnvair

Royal Smart Person
Sep 1, 2018
1,098
1,296
113
Southern New Jersey near Philly
The lock up/non lock issue comes down to this (and this is coming from owning a Turbo Regal);
Lock up:
Better gas mileage
Cooler trans temps during cruising speeds.
About 150 less rpm when the converter is lock

Non lock
Better elapsed times (lower et's) when drag racing.
About 150 more rpm at highway speeds.
Higher trans temps at cruising speeds.

Bottom line is if you are drag racing then the non lock is the way to go as the non locks tend to be more efficient and weigh less than a lock up converter.
If it is more a street cruiser then a lock up is fine. Just make sure you have the lock up operating properly and engaging at the proper points.
 
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CDUNIGAN1981

Master Mechanic
Mar 15, 2015
307
347
63
The lock up/non lock issue comes down to this (and this is coming from owning a Turbo Regal);
Lock up:
Better gas mileage
Cooler trans temps during cruising speeds.
About 150 less rpm when the converter is lock

Non lock
Better elapsed times (lower et's) when drag racing.
About 150 more rpm at highway speeds.
Higher trans temps at cruising speeds.

Bottom line is if you are drag racing then the non lock is the way to go as the non locks tend to be more efficient and weigh less than a lock up converter.
If it is more a street cruiser then a lock up is fine. Just make sure you have the lock up operating properly and engaging at the proper points.
Any advice on controls?
 

CDUNIGAN1981

Master Mechanic
Mar 15, 2015
307
347
63
20200221_171002.jpg


Dashboard is out.
FWIW there was only a single screw in each vent hole. The heads on both snapped which was my holdup. I nervously drilled each out.

I'm happy to be able to see all my wiring and duct work.

My next step is floorboards.
20200221_171942.jpg
 
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Reactions: 2 users

CDUNIGAN1981

Master Mechanic
Mar 15, 2015
307
347
63
I'm convinced the lockout is what I want. Feel like the cooler transmission, better mileage is cool but was really swayed with the prospect of lower RPMs on my Poncho motor during hwy use.

Still thinking about controls for lockout and shifter.
 

carnutjw

G-Body Guru
Sep 17, 2017
623
1,466
93
Any suggestions on controls?
I think I would really be happy with lower RPMs cruising the Pontiac motor.

I need to understand the lockup controls I should go with.

I'm also trying to find out a 4 speed shifter. I thought I had ran across a kit to adapt my 3 speed to 4.
Not sure what shifter you're using, but maybe these guys have something you could use? Might be worth a call.🤷‍♂️
 
Oct 14, 2008
8,806
7,746
113
Melville,Saskatchewan
I'm convinced the lockout is what I want. Feel like the cooler transmission, better mileage is cool but was really swayed with the prospect of lower RPMs on my Poncho motor during hwy use.

Still thinking about controls for lockout and shifter.
Still surprised guys are only seeing a 150 rpm gain, I always see 250 to 300 rpm on different vehicles and tachs. I am currently using the TCI lock up kit in my 88. It works quite well but the vacuum switch will need adjustment with your bigger cam. What shifter are you currently using?
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
Whats the RPM range of your cam?
 

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