upgrading tc

[RxDlr]

hey guys, in preparation for going stage 3 come spring time, i'm going to be upgrading my tc. after thorough searching and keeping up with old posts, i can't find one clear cut choice as to which upgraded tc to go with. i was kind of hoping to be able to get away with just upgrading the tc as opposed to the whole transmission. i'm planning on going just regular k04's with a semi-aggresive tune, so based off of that type of power, what tc upgrade would be most suitable? all opinions/facts/constructive criticism is appreciated.

[S4 in_lowplaces]

2bennet, or 3zero3 has good rep. I bought a like new Upgraded TC from level ten at a steal and couldnt pass it up but i havent installed it yet. I think it has a 3200 stall speed. Anyways, I think you shoudl be ok with just the TC and a TCU reprogram like JHM sells. I read a lot that most the guys with tip stage 3 havent had any major problems with thier trannys with only these two mods.

[MacDaddy]

if the high performance torque converter also increases the ratio, it will also change the amount of torque going through the tranmission, and the operating temperature of the fluid, crating a new set of issues to deal with. The best way to compensate would be an additional ATF cooler (or perhaps replace the stock one behind the left intercooler with a bigger one) and replace the fluid with high performance ATF like redline D4 that would be abel to cope with the higher temperatures better.

regardless if you change it (the TC) or not, upgrading the fluid and the cooler are a good idea on a stage 3 tip.

[S4 in_lowplaces]

I agree as well

[dannyn424]

i think there one for sale in the classifieds?? i would stay away from external coolers....... get ready for a leak
only put in oem trans fluid for tip w full syns (redline) its like putting syn in a motor thats got sludge u wash out gunk thats holding the seals together thats just mo.....

[RxDlr]

Sounds good, thanks for the input guys

[Alex/AWE]

We don't have a specific company we recommend, but the two main companies we see used are IPT, http://www.importperformancetrans.com/, and Level 10, http://www.levelten.com/index.html.

Both companies will sell you torque converters, valve bodies and full blown transmissions.

Hopefully one of them has a converter you're looking for.

[RxDlr]

i believe the shop that i have my work done at did say they were going to be using an ipt tc/transmission if i were going that route. is ipt as credible/reliable of a tc as 3zero3? i do remember cole being one of the few full stg3 tiptronics using a 3zero3 tc with great success but i don't know if he still is or not. any other tip's out there willing to give opinions based off their own experience?

[RedRocketS4]

I've got a torque converter core hat's jus sitting around i you don't want the 2week -a month down time. PM me if interested.

[RxDlr]

i was under the impression that it's a brand new tc that ends up getting sent out if i were to purchase it from the company. is it just a rebuilt tc that comes from these places?

[Maverick]

level 10 is shit because i know a guy who worked there and quit.

he is now at 517 transmission also in NJ.

i suggest you upgrade the TC and VB so you don't burn up the upgraded TC after you go stage 3.

pm me if you need his info.

[RedRocketS4]

When I was looking to buy for my TIP car, they required a "core" to be sent in before they build it because they had no cores in stock, but that was in January. They are replacing the internals, I think. give 3zero3 a call and they will give you all of the details.

[veggiemonster]

that doesnt make sense because the higher the stall the smaller the diameter of the TC

[RedRocketS4]

call 3zero3, i dont know much about torque converters... or automatic transmissions. bought the TIP car so my g/f could drive it

[RxDlr]

i think i might be going with ipt in all honesty. my shop deals with them and there is a tranny/tc setup that's even for sale in the classifieds that i may be looking into. anyone heard anything good about ipt? i really don't wanna call these places because they'll give me a more biased opinion on how their's is better than the other guys'. anyone had any experience with both transmission and/or tc from ipt?

[MacDaddy]

i think there one for sale in the classifieds?? i would stay away from external coolers....... get ready for a leak
only put in oem trans fluid for tip w full syns (redline) its like putting syn in a motor thats got sludge u wash out gunk thats holding the seals together thats just mo.....

thats and old wifes tale that flushing makes things worse. change the filter with the fluid and its fine. and the OEM fluid is a semi-synthetic dextron 3 with a long life additive and another additive to make it incompatible with anything but itself when mixed.

[MacDaddy]

i think i might be going with ipt in all honesty. my shop deals with them and there is a tranny/tc setup that's even for sale in the classifieds that i may be looking into. anyone heard anything good about ipt? i really don't wanna call these places because they'll give me a more biased opinion on how their's is better than the other guys'. anyone had any experience with both transmission and/or tc from ipt?

based on looking at the website, IPT looks much more reputable than level 10. Level 10's website dosn't say what they do, only that its "better" and "stronger". IPT's website at least gives a description of what they do.

[RxDlr]

but isn't "better" and "stronger" what EVERYONE bases their opinions on? lol j/p

[S4_NE]

2bennet convertor , is what I run my stg 3 tip, no issues at all, Level 10 is crap IMO stay away, many people have had issues with them on Audiworld postings, my trans is stock and all did was a filter/fluid service and that is it. the only issue I have is in auto mode 5 to 4 seem to shift a little hard at times but no slipping, I drive my car had but don't beat the crap out of it, one thing with going with upgraded SMIC on a tip car your pasenger side is a real tight fit, with the bumper cover on, I am running AWE SMIC and the work good for me, good luck in your build and if you have any questions PM me, I may be able to share some info to help you out

[Maverick]

the only issue I have is in auto mode 5 to 4 seem to shift a little hard at times

that's common. I have that as well.
downshift yourself with a little gas.

[RxDlr]

i usually have my car in tip mode. i have the awe smic's right now, s4 NE, are you referring to the upgraded vb being a tight fit behind the passenger side ic?