I agree, I think....with as magic as automatic transmissions are to me, I don't think a lockup converter really affects engine braking. The bigger difference is whether your valve body makes engine braking happen, or not.
Its Time... Manual -> Auto Swap
- Thread starter TJustin
- Start date
- Location
- Bountiful, land of rocks
I have a manual valve body in my T400 in my Buick. No significant engine braking but I assume I have a 3000-3400 stall converter in there also. I'm not sure if that's a factor.
- Location
- Grand Junction, CO
I had a TH350 built for my old TJ with a LS 5.3 many years ago. I added a manual valve body with engine braking and it worked well in that aspect. Loved the engine braking on steep hills and drops.
www.rme4x4.com
I will say, I wish I'd had used a 4l60E for a deeper first gear and the overdrive. Mine wasn't a street rig either, but having OD sure has been nice in my current TJ.
My old TJ felt like it lacked gearing in low range, during certain situations. I had a 4.3 ratio Atlas and when I needed instant wheel speed and RPM, it didn't have it. A higher stall convertor would have helped too. I had a 2000 RPM stall, should have done 2500 RPM IMO.
Building a TH350 automatic for rockcrawling
I just thought I'd document my build of a TH350 that's going to be used for wheelin. I'm going to be running a 2003 GM 5.3l V8, TH350 and a 4.3 Atlas in a TJ Wrangler. I have never had good luck with auto trannys from the muscle car days and have been reluctant to wheel anything with an auto...
www.rme4x4.com
I will say, I wish I'd had used a 4l60E for a deeper first gear and the overdrive. Mine wasn't a street rig either, but having OD sure has been nice in my current TJ.
My old TJ felt like it lacked gearing in low range, during certain situations. I had a 4.3 ratio Atlas and when I needed instant wheel speed and RPM, it didn't have it. A higher stall convertor would have helped too. I had a 2000 RPM stall, should have done 2500 RPM IMO.
kmboren
Recovering XJ owner anonymous
- Location
- Southern Utah
You can order valve bodies with or without engine breaking. My current valve body in my buggy/Th350 has engine breaking in 1st and 2nd. I love it on a steep decent. I don't need to use very much if any breaking. My valve body is also a full manual valve body.
- Location
- Payson, UT
I had a TH350 built for my old TJ with a LS 5.3 many years ago. I added a manual valve body with engine braking and it worked well in that aspect. Loved the engine braking on steep hills and drops.
Building a TH350 automatic for rockcrawling
I just thought I'd document my build of a TH350 that's going to be used for wheelin. I'm going to be running a 2003 GM 5.3l V8, TH350 and a 4.3 Atlas in a TJ Wrangler. I have never had good luck with auto trannys from the muscle car days and have been reluctant to wheel anything with an auto...
I will say, I wish I'd had used a 4l60E for a deeper first gear and the overdrive. Mine wasn't a street rig either, but having OD sure has been nice in my current TJ.
My old TJ felt like it lacked gearing in low range, during certain situations. I had a 4.3 ratio Atlas and when I needed instant wheel speed and RPM, it didn't have it. A higher stall convertor would have helped too. I had a 2000 RPM stall, should have done 2500 RPM IMO.
This is good feedback. I'll read through this. I know you alluded to it in your previous post, but do you feel a combination with the correct converter and my lower 5.0 Atlas will make for a better combo?
What ratio are you running in your t-case? Any idea on the converter stall?