OPINIONS WATED on 700R4 LOCK-UP verses NON LOCK-UP

[cwmusser]

I'm putting a 700R4 in a 32 Coupe behind a "low boost" supercharged 383. I'm running 30" tires and 3.50 gears. I'm having a hard time deciding between a lock-up converter and a non lock-up. I'm not concerned about the extra 200 or so RPM I lose in 4th gear or the gas mileage, I'm more concerned with having a trouble free transmission. My car is only 2800 lbs. and will do little freeway driving as compared to city driving. I'm trying to build the car "old school" style so the extra switches and lines needed for lock-up is not preferred, but fine if needed. The additional cost of the lock-up converter and wiring kit is only $350 so that is minimal. I just want to keep things simple, but not at the cost of reliability. I appreciate any feedback from your experience.
Thank you!!

[OLDFLM]

Lock-up! Call Greg Ducato at Phoenix Transmission Products! 1-866-SHIFTUP

[dontlifttoshift]

Lock up, no question. I would want the converter on the loose side so the car doesn't slam into gear from park which makes the lock up that much more important. There really isn't room for a proper sized trans cooler so anything you can do to keep heat generation low is a good thing.......heat kills automatics.

Not sure what extra switches you are talking about. Run the Bowler kit, one wire down to the trans and maybe a relay under the dash depending on your brake light switch. Done.

Unsolicited advice, I think you are going to be driving around a lot in 3rd gear anyways unless your cam and related tuning are happy at 1500 rpm.

[OLDFLM]

I agree with Donny! Greg Ducato set my built 700R4 up with one wire down to the trans and the OD disengages when you touch the brakes... works flawlessly! You'll want the lock up... I've got at 2600rpm stall and it drives like a modern car until you nail it!

Derale has trans coolers with temp sensors and fans that you can put just about anywhere... I have a small one in the nose of my Firebird and run a trans temp gauge and it never gets hot.209318

[cwmusser]

Thanks to each of you who replied, I really appreciate your feedback! I will plan on running the lock-up and I'm sure I will be glad I did.

[dontlifttoshift]

I don't know how Ty's lock up is set up but when it uses only the 4th gear pressure port switch, the lock up stacks on top of the 3-4 shift and usually sucks unless your 3-4 shift is at a high enough RPM. That's why I like the Bowler set up as there is a delay between the 3-4 shift and lock up.

[OLDFLM]

I used the American Autowire Torque Converter Lockup Kit for my 700-R4.

https://americanautowire.com/products/700-r4-200-4r-torque-converter-lockup-kit-500412

My trans will shift into OD at above ~45mph and out when I touch the brakes.