Benefits of Upgrading a Torque Converter in a Car
                     Austen 
Tech
Benefits of Upgrading a Torque Converter  
in a Car
If you drive an automatic transmission car and you’ve engaged in  
conversations about upgrades and improved performance, you most  
probably have heard of a torque converter. And, if you’re not quite sure  
what it is, what it does, and how it can improve the performance of your  
car, that is absolutely normal. But more importantly, you’re at the right  
place. This article explains what a torque converter is and what benefits  
your car can get from installing a performance converter.
What Is a Torque Converter?
A torque converter is one of the main components of an  
automatic transmission. It is quite similar to a mechanical  
clutch in a manual transmission system but not the same. A  
torque converter is a type of fluid coupling that transfers  
rotating energy to a rotating driven load from a prime mover.  
In an automatic transmission, the rotating driven load enables 
 connecting the power source to the load.
In a vehicle, the torque converter is located between the  
transmission and the engine flexplate. It enables the engine to 
 run while disengaged from the transmission, but transfer  
power once the car starts to move. A performance converter is 
 designed and built to perform its function with increased  
efficiency and smoothness.
Benefits of Performance 
 Torque Converter
Installing a performance torque converter can 
 significantly improve the performance of a car.
Multiplication 
of Torque
A torque converter functions differently compared to regular fluid coupling.  
While a fluid coupling matches the rotational speed, it is incapable of  
multiplying torque. On the other hand, a torque converter can multiply  
torque in cases where the speed of the rotational output is low to the extent  
that fluid from the curved vanes of the turbine is allowed to be deflected off  
the stator. This deflection of fluid occurs while the stator is locked against its 
 one-way clutch, providing the equivalent of a reduction gear. Additionally,  
torque multiplication can also take place when there is a difference in speed  
between input and output.
Slippage
Certain torque converters are designed with a “lockup” mechanism. This is  
meant to bind the engine to the transmission securely when the speed of both 
 are close to equivalent. This function helps to prevent intense levels of  
slippage, and efficiency loss. At the same time, It also helps to reduce wasted  
power by improving fuel efficiency to as high as 65%. However, if slippage of  
high levels continues to happen, dissipating heat becomes difficult for the  
converter.
This can damage the elastomer seals responsible for retaining fluid inside the 
 converter. Over time, this can also cause the fluid inside the converter to leak 
 completely, rendering itself to stop working.
Conclusion
Installing a performance converter can improve the ride  
quality, acceleration speed, smoother transmission, and  
overall responsiveness and handling of your car. An affordable  
investment in an aftermarket part can bring an exponential  
improvement to the performance of your car.
If you’re interested in replacing your stock torque converter  
for an upgraded unit, Gearstar has a wide range of torque  
converters where you can choose a unit best suited for your  
car. To learn more about their range of products, visit their  
website.
https://gearstar.com/
330-434-5216
Contact Us
[email protected]