Torque Converter Definitions, Parts & Comparisons

Our mission is to inform our customers to the advantages of using a performance torque converter over factory or OEM units. Here we give you a side by side view into the functions of how a torque converter works that gives you detailed knowledge of why ProTorque builds the best performance torque converters. Pictures Enlarge For Details.

Impeller

Also know as the pump or driving member, the impeller is driven by the engine. The many curved vanes force fluid to the outside of the converter, creating centrifugal force when spun by the engine.

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Factory Drive Hub

The factory drive hub tends to wear and crack after years of use.

Hardened Drive Hub

Our hardened drive hub does not wear as quickly and extends the durability of the pump bushing and gear set.

Stator assembly

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OE Stator Assembly

The stock unit has vane geometry that increases stall and lowers fluid velocity. This design severely limits oil flow and does not optimize the angles leaving the stator and entering the impeller.

Modified Stator Assembly

This operation is very similar to porting and polishing a head. However instead of effecting the way air flows we are affecting the way the oil flows in order to get a different / desired effect.

Stator with One Way Roller Sprag

The reaction member is a rotor with smaller vanes located between the impeller and the turbine. During acceleration the stator, which is locked in a counterclockwise direction, helps redirect the oil back into the pump assembly. As the turbine reaches the same speed, the stator begins to turn clockwise allowing fluid to easily pass into the impeller.

Washers vs bearings

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Phenolic Washers

Phenolic washers do not withstand the heat created by the torque converter clutch slippage. Eventually the heat will cause pitting and heat marks. This will eventually cause the washer to fail.

Torrington Bearings

Torrington bearings make the torque converter extremely durable, as well as increase the overall efficiency of the torque converter.

Factory vs hardened splines

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OE Splines

Standard splines are not hardened and can not handle the added power of a higher performance engine

Hardened Splines

The turbine is what drives the transmission input shaft. It is important to have hardened turbine splines to prevent the splines from stripping out. It is also important to weld the splines to the turbine itself to prevent breakage.

Turbine

Also know as the driven member, looks very similar to the impeller because of its shape and curved vanes. The outer blades of the turbine receive the fluid force of the impeller. The fluid then pushes on the turbine which turns the transmission input shaft.

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Stamped Turbine

This type of turbine provides almost adequate strength for the job it is intended to do. These blades tend to loosen and eventually fail.

Furnace Brazed Turbine

Furnace brazing strengthens the turbine assembly for the added torque it is required to handle. It also increases the overall efficiency of the torque converter.

Clutches

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Factory Clutch

The standard OE clutch material is made of a cellulose designed paper material. It does not handle the heat well and will eventually fail.

Clutch & Damper Assembly

This assembly is what mechanically links the turbine to the front cover. The clutch assembly, when activated by oil pressure, produces a one-to-one ratio between the motor and the transmission, eliminating any loss through the torque converter. This in turn lowers the engine's RPM and increases fuel efficiency.

Front cover

This is the part that connects to the engine via the flywheel. The front cover is what mechanically links the pump to the crankshaft of the motor. It also acts as the friction surface on lock up units.

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Factory Front Cover

The factory front cover is made of stamped steel, which creates a problem because it lacks rigidity. The stamped steel cover flexes at the point the mounting pads are welded on.

Billet Front Cover

Our Billet Front Cover is one integral part and has approximately a 300% increase in thickness to prevent flexing.