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Can anyone ID this converter? I bought it along with a 2004R (billet pro non-lockup version) transmission from CK 6 or 7 years ago. I've reached out to CK, but haven't heard back from them yet so here I am.
The unit is in my '69 Cutlass S and only has some run time on it...0 miles, meaning with the car on jack stands. On the initial install 5, years ago, I was never able to get the car on the street due engine issues, then work place accident, now I've got another engine in the car and running.
The issue is I can put the car in gear and the tires instantly start spinning, remember the car is on jack stands, and I can't stop the tires with the brakes without the engine stalling and dying. Initially I suspected the tune was off so I started there. With an HEI, 15 degrees base timing and 17" vacuum with the idle bleeds set as close as I can get them (max vacuum on my gauge) and 900 rpm idle speed...same problem.
I'm beginning to think I have a faulty torque converter, but it is as new as the transmission with the only run time being on jack stands . It is supposed to be a non lockup 2500-2800 stall converter plus I have no harness running to the trans to apply the converter clutch in the event that it is a lockup converter. I don't want to debate the choice of a non lockup converter for this combo at this time...we can get into that later.
I can't find the accompanying paperwork for the trans/converter from CK, but I remember there was mention of it testing out on his trans dyno and I'm not questioning this fact, but I'm not sure it was tested with this converter or not or if that is common practice.
Has anyone ever had a problem like this where the converter was faulty and acted as if it was locked up all the time? Also, I've got a pressure gauge connected to the test port on the trans, but I don't want to try to test the pressures in gear if I can't keep the wheels from turning.
CK probably sources his converters from the same places if anyone has an idea where that may be and could let me know I'd appreciate it.
Or if anyone has any other ideas I could try let me know.
I got my 200r4 from CK also. It was about 4 or 5 years ago. The torque converter he got for me was was from Transmission Specialties out of Pennsylvania. Call them. The serial numbers you have pictured are definitely theirs. I can tell you the LS stamped is for "low Stall". They should help you with The other numbers .
Last edited by zekecut70; Mar 17, 2022 at 12:42 PM.
Early 700 (prior to 1985 I think) had the same spline input shafts. So yes, early 700 and the 200R4 converters interchange.
I’d call transmission specialties with that part number, maybe they can tell you a little about it.
Many years ago, a friend of mine bought a converter for his grand National. We could never get the lockup to engage. A couple years later, he upgraded to a bigger turbo, camshaft, etc which requires a different converter. The lockup worked fine with the new converter. I tried to use the converter he bought in my 87 442, once again no lockup, even though the previous converter worked fine. Obviously there was something wrong with that converter.
I had the converter cut open for inspection, the reason it wouldn’t lock is because there was no converter clutch in it. Even though it was sold as a lockup converter, either it was mispackaged, incorrect part number stamped on it, or just built wrong, who knows?
I’m betting you have a similar issue. I bet that’s a lock up converter, and something is screwed up with the converter clutch valve in the pump.
Just a few things from my experience. Make sure you test fit the converter with the flexplate bolted to the crankshaft to make sure the snout of the converter isn't touching the inside of the crankshaft or the weld at the base isn't touching as well. I say this because I unfortunately didn't think to. It resulted that the flexplate was unable to do its job and i wiped out my thrust bearing in abou 1000 miles. Just an FYI.
I ended up cutting down the weld and nose a few thousands. Now all good.
1. Do 700R4's and 2004R's take the same converter?
2. Will a lockup converter still work on a 200 that doesn't have the lockup function enabled?
I'm assuming the answer to both is yes, but just want to make sure.
OK...back to one of my previous question...#2 above...If the transmission was built with none of the internal lockup components and a lockup converter is installed on it, will this still work, but with no lockup or is something missing that will cause the converter to be locked up all the time?
CK built my transmission to be non lockup, but the torque converter came from Transmission Specialties straight to my house and was not tested on the transmission at CK's shop. I've tried to contact them, but haven't had any luck yet...I did get in touch with CK's shop, but was only able to talk with the lady that answers the phone. I asked her if they still had a copy of my receipt from 7 years ago and she is trying to locate it, hopefully they keep electronic copies, so I can verify that the transmission was indeed built as the non lockup version. I'm afraid that the converter is a lockup and is being locked up hydraulicly due to some lockup component not being installed since it won't be needed.
I remember during the initial phone call with CK that I asked him if I could easily convert it to lockup in the future and he said the internal parts wouldn't be there to make it work without removing the transmission and getting inside it.
I've bit the bullet and ordered a non lockup converter from CPT which will be here this week hopefully...I'm just looking for a little conformation from those more familiar.
Yeah. It can be a little tough getting a hold of Chris. The woman you spoke to i believe is his wife. It may take awhile for him to get back to you, but he will eventually. Wondering.... did you try to get a hold of Transmission Specialties? If so, Did they help break down your serial numbers?
I got my new non lock-up converter in and swapped out and FINALLY it moves again under it's own power! Evidently, when I ordered my new trans from CK his converter source sent me a lock-up converter for my non lock-up trans and the lock-up converter stays locked up all the time. luckily every time I put it in gear the car was on stands so I didn't break anything or drive through the garage door.
It's been 14 years since this thing has seen the light of day, now to get the TV cable adjusted.
Right now it has 2.73's and the converter is a 2200 stall. May be right on the edge of a heat generator in OD, but I have an external trans cooler on it with dual electric fans from a 96 Ford Windstar so hopefully heat won't be an issue. Basically a stock 350 with a performer, headers and 2.50 out the back. I tried to upload a video of it finally running, but can't figure it out.
I have a 455 with 3.91 gear. Transmission cooler through the radiator with an external cooler as well. The stall is 3000-3200 but its a lockup. Transmission temp doesn't go over185° . Even in traffic in 95 degree weather.
