Thanks guys for your time and interest . . . and recommendations. With the small Vortech V9 supercharger making only 8+ pounds of boost or so in the 4000-6800rpm band, I want to stay in that rpm zone as much as I can throughout a 1/4 mile run, so the three-speed auto makes more sense to me. Remember these 1UZs are only 242 cu. in. (4.0L) - not a big block with gobs of torque. I suspect my car is right on the borderline for having enough torque to take advantage of a Powerglide. My car weighs around 850 kilos (1870 pounds).
really cool build, i enjoyed reading it.
with the weight of the car, i believe it would be faster and cheaper with a powerglide.
at the moment, the torque of the lexus is really working, and coming into its own, at those rpm's.
example of my powerglide:
std oem 1.76 gear set, std housing, std 6 pack high clutch, std 6 pack reverse clutch pack, and a name brand low gear band, and 235-240 psi trans pump pressure, we did over a 100 passes @ 1920 lbs in the high 6 second, low 7 second range.
saying that, you power glide with cost you miniumal to build, and maintain.
once a year overhaul, and all is good..
the whole idea of racing is to have fun , and not speed too much money...
the way a converter works, is the torque multiplication , when the input shaft ( engine rpm) , isalot more than the output shaft ( drive shaft rpm)..
this helps move the 'load' ( the race car)
at under 1900 lbs, i believe you would be lighter, faster, 'richer' with a glide.
even tho you live away from usa, and australia, getting a good converter will be easy.this is the key to keeping the transmission oil cool...good quality converter.
they can build converters now days to be as fast as clutch promod cars..
why not take advantage of that technolgy ??
a powerglide as listed above will not cost an arm or leg, and be cheaper , stronger than a C4.
hope this helps..
regards
