turbo 350 lock up conv. question

[1983shorty]

what controls the lock up converter in a 1983 pickup? i was going to use the trans that came with the 350 i put in place of my 6cyl ,but now i am going to use the 350 trans with lockup that was original to the truck. i think i read somewhere that the distributor controls the converter ? i know theres a wire that plugs into the trans for lockup but is that all i need ?

[pjmoreland]

Basically 12 volts to that connector on the transmission will allow the torque converter clutch to lock up. The 12 volts should be from a fused source that turns on with the ignition switch. It should be routed through a second set of contacts on the brake light switch so that when the brake pedal is pushed, the torque converter clutch disengages. The 12 volt line should also be routed through a manifold vacuum switch that disengages the torque converter clutch when manifold vacuum drops off when you press down on the accelerator. There should be a vacuum delay valve in between the manifold and the vacuum switch so that the vacuum valve won't click on and off really quickly at mid-throttle.

Sounds like all you'll need to do is plug the wire back into your transmission, and make sure the vacuum switch is connected to the intake manifold. The vacuum switch should be mounted up high on the firewall, above the distributor.

[1983shorty]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

Basically 12 volts to that connector on the transmission will allow the torque converter clutch to lock up. The 12 volts should be from a fused source that turns on with the ignition switch. It should be routed through a second set of contacts on the brake light switch so that when the brake pedal is pushed, the torque converter clutch disengages. The 12 volt line should also be routed through a manifold vacuum switch that disengages the torque converter clutch when manifold vacuum drops off when you press down on the accelerator. There should be a vacuum delay valve in between the manifold and the vacuum switch so that the vacuum valve won't click on and off really quickly at mid-throttle.

Sounds like all you'll need to do is plug the wire back into your transmission, and make sure the vacuum switch is connected to the intake manifold. The vacuum switch should be mounted up high on the firewall, above the distributor.

thanks ! ill check it out tomorrow. i have to pull the other trans out and put my old one back in. i kept all the wiring untouched so far. still working out the details on the engine swap. its goin for a test drive by the weekend !