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Switch Pitch Torque Converter [message #143011] Sun, 11 September 2011 16:29 Go to next message
jaholland is currently offline  jaholland   United States
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Registered: June 2010
Location: Sweet Home Alebamy
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Senior Member
I Have Acquired A 1966 Oldsmobile Toronada "Switch Pitch Torque Converter"
and would like to install it in my 1978 Eleganza II {403/HD425} ~
What does it requier ?
Will It Improve The Pulling Power ?
Will It Improve The Fuel Milage ?

Any Suggestions / modifacations ?

~ Joe ~



/_]*[__][] *[__|] ~ * '73 TZE063V101887 "
" O----------OO--]* ~ '78 TZE168V100234 "
" " Joe & Lavelle " "
" 'sweet home alebamy'
Re: [GMCnet] Switch Pitch Torque Converter [message #143013 is a reply to message #143011] Sun, 11 September 2011 17:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Joe,

Unfortunately you need a Switch Pitch transmission too!

Here's a link to Gene's website that will explain what a Switch Pitch trans does:

http://gmcmotorhome.info/SWITCH.html

Regards,
Rob M.

-----Original Message-----
From: J A Holland

I Have Acquired A 1966 Oldsmobile Toronada "Switch Pitch Torque Converter"
and would like to install it in my 1978 Eleganza II {403/HD425} ~
What does it requier ?
Will It Improve The Pulling Power ?
Will It Improve The Fuel Milage ?

Any Suggestions / modifacations ?

~ Joe ~

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Switch Pitch Torque Converter [message #143067 is a reply to message #143011] Mon, 12 September 2011 08:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Terry Skinner is currently offline  Terry Skinner   United States
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Registered: January 2004
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Senior Member
Rebuilt "switch-pitch" converters are available and my transmission
guy says it is an easy install/conversion. They are being used by
street racers. Also there is a guy back east that makes a control box
for it but that was a couple computers ago and I have lost the info on
him. I still think it is an interesting swap, just haven't run across
one.<G>........Terry

On Sun, Sep 11, 2011 at 2:29 PM, J A Holland <acts238bishop@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> I Have Acquired A 1966 Oldsmobile Toronada "Switch Pitch Torque Converter"
> and would like to install it in my 1978 Eleganza II {403/HD425} ~
> What does it requier ?
> Will It Improve The Pulling Power ?
> Will It Improve The Fuel Milage ?
>
> Any Suggestions / modifacations ?
>
> ~ Joe ~
>
>
> --
> /_]*[__][] *[__|]   ~ *  '73 TZE063V101887   ""
>  O---------OO--]*   ~ '78 TZE168V100234    ""
> " Joe & Lavelle "  ""
> 'sweet home alebamy'
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Terry Skinner
253-686-2624
Roy. Washington
'76 GMC
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Re: [GMCnet] Switch Pitch Torque Converter [message #143079 is a reply to message #143067] Mon, 12 September 2011 11:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Terry,

It's Bruce Roe you're thinking of. He's a member of our GMCMH-EFI Google
Group if you want to contact him.

Ken H.


On Mon, Sep 12, 2011 at 9:34 AM, Terry Skinner <gmcnut@gmail.com> wrote:

> Rebuilt "switch-pitch" converters are available and my transmission
> guy says it is an easy install/conversion. They are being used by
> street racers. Also there is a guy back east that makes a control box
> for it but that was a couple computers ago and I have lost the info on
> him. I still think it is an interesting swap, just haven't run across
> one.<G>........Terry
>
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Switch Pitch Torque Converter [message #143125 is a reply to message #143079] Mon, 12 September 2011 17:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Ken,

I'm confused and may have provided incorrect information when I noted that you need a switch pitch tranny to use a switch pitch
torque convertor.

Can you install a switch pitch torque convertor with a standard non switch pitch transmission?

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia


-----Original Message-----
From: Of Ken Henderson

Terry,

It's Bruce Roe you're thinking of. He's a member of our GMCMH-EFI Google
Group if you want to contact him.

Ken H.


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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Switch Pitch Torque Converter [message #143149 is a reply to message #143079] Mon, 12 September 2011 20:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
emerystora is currently offline  emerystora   United States
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Registered: January 2004
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Senior Member

On Sep 12, 2011, at 12:22 PM, Ken Henderson wrote:

> Terry,
>
> It's Bruce Roe you're thinking of. He's a member of our GMCMH-EFI Google
> Group if you want to contact him.
>
> Ken H.
>


I have had the Bruce Roe controller in my GMC for several years now but it is to control the switch pitch transmission which has a switch pitch torque converter in the tranny.
It doesn't not control the converter without a switch pitch transmission.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Santa Fe, NM


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Re: [GMCnet] Switch Pitch Torque Converter [message #143155 is a reply to message #143125] Mon, 12 September 2011 20:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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No, you're correct. The switch pitch converter receives it's signal through
the input shaft, IIRC, and the ATF for that must be routed through the
transmission case from the throttle body. That said, it's my understanding
that most 425 cases, thru '77 or so, have the passages drilled for the SP
functions. Other cases can, if I remember Manny's lectures correctly, be
drilled, perhaps with some mods.

And to control the SP function requires the additional solenoid and
connector terminal (on the passing gear connector) to operate the valve in
the valve body. Valve bodies, at least through my '76, also have the SP
passages (exposed without the solenoid), per Bill Bramlett, and my
examination, when I had my 425 open 2 weeks ago.

Ken



On Mon, Sep 12, 2011 at 6:26 PM, Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au>wrote:

> Ken,
>
> I'm confused and may have provided incorrect information when I noted that
> you need a switch pitch tranny to use a switch pitch
> torque convertor.
>
> Can you install a switch pitch torque convertor with a standard non switch
> pitch transmission?
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> Sydney, Australia
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Of Ken Henderson
>
> Terry,
>
> It's Bruce Roe you're thinking of. He's a member of our GMCMH-EFI Google
> Group if you want to contact him.
>
> Ken H.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Switch Pitch Torque Converter [message #143161 is a reply to message #143155] Mon, 12 September 2011 21:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
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Ken / Emery,

Thanks!

Regards,
Rob M.

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Switch Pitch Torque Converter [message #143176 is a reply to message #143161] Tue, 13 September 2011 01:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jaholland is currently offline  jaholland   United States
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Robert Mueller wrote on Mon, 12 September 2011 21:20

Ken / Emery,

Thanks!

Regards,
Rob M.

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And You Have My Thanks Also

~ Joe ~


/_]*[__][] *[__|] ~ * '73 TZE063V101887 "
" O----------OO--]* ~ '78 TZE168V100234 "
" " Joe & Lavelle " "
" 'sweet home alebamy'
Re: [GMCnet] Switch Pitch Torque Converter [message #143534 is a reply to message #143155] Thu, 15 September 2011 21:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mannystrans is currently offline  mannystrans   United States
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Registered: June 2006
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Senior Member
Ken,
Only the 66/67 toro and 67 eldo valve bodies have the stator valve.
It's next to the 1/2 accumulator valve.
And only those years have the separator plates.
Even though you can drill the passage for the stator oil on a newer
case, you still need the correct pump plate.
You also need the correct stator tube from the 66/67 years or have those made.

To the original question as to installing a s/p converter in a non s/p tranny.
The splines wont mate.
It can be done using a s/p stator tube but the s/p feature won't work.
If you wanted a s/p tranny, start with an older case or even a s/p
case and beef it up for motorhome use.
The 66/67 cases need the center support modified or replaced with a newer one.
The pump needs to be replaced with a newer one.
The sun tube/sun gear set need to be replaced or modified (the lube
hole is too small).
On the valve body, the front accumulator valve need to be replaced
because I use a 4L80 front band.
If you use a second generation case, you still need the s/p parts.

--
Manny Trovao
mannystrans@gmail.com
Manny's Trans / Power Drive
San Jose, California
408-937-1583
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Re: [GMCnet] Switch Pitch Torque Converter [message #143655 is a reply to message #143534] Sat, 17 September 2011 16:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
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Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Manny,

Thanks for the info. I'm sure many will find it useful. For my part, I
don't have any expectation of ever making that modification -- my "List" is
too long to ever get around to that one. :-)

Ken H.


On Thu, Sep 15, 2011 at 10:52 PM, Manny Trovao <mannystrans@gmail.com>wrote:

> Ken,
> Only the 66/67 toro and 67 eldo valve bodies have the stator valve.
> It's next to the 1/2 accumulator valve.
> And only those years have the separator plates.
> Even though you can drill the passage for the stator oil on a newer
> case, you still need the correct pump plate.
> You also need the correct stator tube from the 66/67 years or have those
> made.
>
> To the original question as to installing a s/p converter in a non s/p
> tranny.
> The splines wont mate.
> It can be done using a s/p stator tube but the s/p feature won't work.
> If you wanted a s/p tranny, start with an older case or even a s/p
> case and beef it up for motorhome use.
> The 66/67 cases need the center support modified or replaced with a newer
> one.
> The pump needs to be replaced with a newer one.
> The sun tube/sun gear set need to be replaced or modified (the lube
> hole is too small).
> On the valve body, the front accumulator valve need to be replaced
> because I use a 4L80 front band.
> If you use a second generation case, you still need the s/p parts.
>
> --
> Manny Trovao
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: Switch Pitch Torque Converter [message #143730 is a reply to message #143011] Sun, 18 September 2011 13:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
George Beckman is currently offline  George Beckman   United States
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Karma: 11
Senior Member
jaholland wrote on Sun, 11 September 2011 14:29

I Have Acquired A 1966 Oldsmobile Toronada "Switch Pitch Torque Converter"
and would like to install it in my 1978 Eleganza II {403/HD425} ~

Will It Improve The Pulling Power ?
Will It Improve The Fuel Milage ?

Any Suggestions / modifacations ?

~ Joe ~



Joe,

I recently had Manny build a switch pitch for our '74 Eleganza SE.

Did it improve pulling power?

Yes. Driving the coach is much different. First, I rarely put it in switch (higher stall). The low stall is perfect. Starting the coach from a stop sign used to run the tach up to about 2000 to 2400 depending on how fast I was accelerating. The tach stayed at basically the same speed until I reached about 50. Now the tach goes to about 1600 to 1800 and stays until I reach 40+. Love it. The coach seems much more like a car in traffic and stop and go traffic.

I have used switch to get around in a camp ground where it was steep. I have switched it a couple of times when on a hill and I couldn't decide whether to shift to second or not. Above 2600 there is not much difference in whether you are in switch or low stall. At low RPMs and especially from a standing start is is like night and day. Starting from a dead stop in switch runs the tach up to about 2500.

Will you get better mileage...

We just drove to Goshen for the Rally, from California. I notice no difference in fuel consumption. I think it makes a bit of difference in town, but I don't drive in town much. That being said, a new engine and switching from a 3.07 to a 3.55 since our big trip last year didn't really change much in the way of fuel mileage. As Gene says, you will get between 8-10 depending on how you drive. (I have noticed many coaches selling on E-Bay get 12 mpg. *smile* )



'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
Re: Switch Pitch Torque Converter [message #143731 is a reply to message #143730] Sun, 18 September 2011 13:24 Go to previous message
jaholland is currently offline  jaholland   United States
Messages: 565
Registered: June 2010
Location: Sweet Home Alebamy
Karma: 0
Senior Member
George Beckman wrote on Sun, 18 September 2011 13:13

jaholland wrote on Sun, 11 September 2011 14:29

I Have Acquired A 1966 Oldsmobile Toronada "Switch Pitch Torque Converter"
and would like to install it in my 1978 Eleganza II {403/HD425} ~

Will It Improve The Pulling Power ?
Will It Improve The Fuel Milage ?

Any Suggestions / modifacations ?

~ Joe ~



Joe,

I recently had Manny build a switch pitch for our '74 Eleganza SE.

Did it improve pulling power?

Yes. Driving the coach is much different. First, I rarely put it in switch (higher stall). The low stall is perfect. Starting the coach from a stop sign used to run the tach up to about 2000 to 2400 depending on how fast I was accelerating. The tach stayed at basically the same speed until I reached about 50. Now the tach goes to about 1600 to 1800 and stays until I reach 40+. Love it. The coach seems much more like a car in traffic and stop and go traffic.

I have used switch to get around in a camp ground where it was steep. I have switched it a couple of times when on a hill and I couldn't decide whether to shift to second or not. Above 2600 there is not much difference in whether you are in switch or low stall. At low RPMs and especially from a standing start is is like night and day. Starting from a dead stop in switch runs the tach up to about 2500.

Will you get better mileage...

We just drove to Goshen for the Rally, from California. I notice no difference in fuel consumption. I think it makes a bit of difference in town, but I don't drive in town much. That being said, a new engine and switching from a 3.07 to a 3.55 since our big trip last year didn't really change much in the way of fuel mileage. As Gene says, you will get between 8-10 depending on how you drive. (I have noticed many coaches selling on E-Bay get 12 mpg. *smile* )






George ;

Thanks for your input ~
and
thanks to all for the comments `

~ Joe ~
`


/_]*[__][] *[__|] ~ * '73 TZE063V101887 "
" O----------OO--]* ~ '78 TZE168V100234 "
" " Joe & Lavelle " "
" 'sweet home alebamy'
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