Bigger, better, more efficiant converter for the AW4 ??

[csmc206]

I took a look at the converter in my AW4 and it is smaaaaaaaaaaaaall!! Cant be good for torque transfer!? Maybe for high stall but not for torque. Yea, yea.....I know you all will say that it works fine, but, has anyone purchased something bigger or better or even heard of something better for fuel mileage and more efficiant torque transfer?

[bwiencek]

Fuel mileage on the highway will be better with a smaller converter... Why you ask - simple - less rotating mass... The AW4 is a lockup converter design - when cruising at highway speeds the converter "locks up" and eliminates all slip - essentially it's got a clutch inside the converter that engages when the engine is at part throttle and the computer sends a signal to lockup.

If you're wanting to change stall speed / efficency of the converter for some other reason (i.e. to match a hot engine, or a torque monster, etc.) then most converter rebuilders can modify a stock converter +- a few hundred RPM's of stall. Also when calling around - most tranny shops don't rebuild - they use rebuilt products from another rebuilder so you'll have to find one that does the rebuilding and will work with you to get what you need.

[mississippi_xj]

as I recall you can get a torque convertor from a supra and it will bolt right in.... I believe they are essentially the same tranny....

[csmc206]

I have the original unit thats got 3k on it, it just seems sooooo small and the truck will be driven on the street, around town the most. having a high efficiancy converter would be the way to go, but, if it costs $800 to build, then maybe not as I would see.............what.......1mpg increase? thats 20miles per tank? Hmmm, how many tanks to replace that $800, if the idea even works, lol.

[bwiencek]

I have the original unit thats got 3k on it, it just seems sooooo small and the truck will be driven on the street, around town the most. having a high efficiancy converter would be the way to go, but, if it costs $800 to build, then maybe not as I would see.............what.......1mpg increase? thats 20miles per tank? Hmmm, how many tanks to replace that $800, if the idea even works, lol.

$800 would get you one heck of a converter - around here they'll make small changes to the STOCK converter when rebuilding them for around $50 over the cost of the rebuild (about 100-150 depending on the converter - haven't looked at jeep converters) - again - that's really just labor for the converter rebuilders to change the fin angles/clearances, etc.

[larsbc4x4]

On the topic of converters, I just picked up an AW4 out of an '88 XJ (got the computer and converter as well...all for CAD$30). Given the age of the vehicle, I'm wondering if I should get the TC cut open and inspected before using it in my YJ. I haven't read any details on this swap yet so I don't even know if it'll bolt up to my existing flex plate. I'm just wondering it is a normal precaution to cut open a TC for inspection or if there's some other way to inspect it.

...lars

[csmc206]

no, cutting it open is not normal for just an inspection, that I am sure of, but, if your that concerned, just get a rebuilt from autozone or something like that. I am sure that just cutting it open to look at would cost about the same and there are no new parts installed.

[larsbc4x4]

no, cutting it open is not normal for just an inspection, that I am sure of, but, if your that concerned, just get a rebuilt from autozone or something like that. I am sure that just cutting it open to look at would cost about the same and there are no new parts installed.
K, thanks.

...lars