can a lockup 350 be unplugged and work

[blazer2007]

I have a turbo 350 that I bought but later noticed a 4 prong plug on the dr. side,I guess this a lock stlye,can I still run it without plugging it in,even so I don,t know where to plug it into.Would I use the torque converter that it came with or can I use other or are they the same

[Thumpin455]

A Th350C uses a special converter that wont interchange with a non lock up th350. It will work for a while without the lock up, but the converter will generate more heat from slipping and the clutches will start slipping after some miles. Inevitable heat related failure without the lock up working. Same with 2004R and 700R4 transmissions, you gotta have the lock up working for it to survive much more than a few thousand miles. Well unless you change some things, like the converter itself.

[Pyrotechnic]

Is the converter in those real loose ? How did the original non lockup versions survive ?

[Thumpin455]

They arent that lose, but they are not set up the same as the old ones are. Im not entirely sure what the exact cause is or if an axillary cooler will help them live longer. They produce more heat when not locked up and they are designed to be locked up in cruise mode, its not an isolated thing. You can put a non lock up converter in a 700R4, such as a high performance stall converter, but of course it would see limited use and be used with deep gears.

I thought my instructor at tech school was nuts because its "simply" a converter with a clutch in it. Yet every one I have run, and those that someone brought to me where the converter wasnt applying burned up. So personal experience meshes with professional opinion, as well as technical manuals. At least in my case.

Im not sure about the 350C, but the 2004R and 700R4 can both lock the coverter with a single 12v power wire on a switch. You would need to toggle it off when you come to a stop or accelerate hard, but as long as you remember to use the switch it will work.

A much better idea is a lock up controller from an aftermarket vendor, such as the B&M unit I have in my 70 GTO. There are a number of them out there, and also information on which wire to connect. Shouldnt be hard to come up with the right pin for power.

[ton*loc]

where does those wires go to on a stock truck that controls the lock up ?? computer or something ?

[gmclowsierra]

ive been running mine without the lock up for a bout 25000 miles and no issues yet. mine is in an 85 gmc

[Square84]

mine shifted like crap with the lock up hooked up so i unhooked it and know drives great shifts fine its in an 84 lwb that is my daily driver and sees ocassional track pass. its been unhooked since 04'.

[Slonaker]

Originally Posted by gmclowsierra

ive been running mine without the lock up for a bout 25000 miles and no issues yet. mine is in an 85 gmc

Mine has been unhooked for several years. I'll get around to hooking it back up one of these days!

Slonaker

[ton*loc]

sweet well at least three of you are conferming it dosnt need to be hooked up. that dude up there had me worried thinking my tranny was going to go out !

[Thumpin455]

Well I lost three of them, maybe you guys just arent making any power.. lol.. j/k

if you have a cooler that will probably help. Not a fan of the 350C in any event