Last time out, my big-horse LC2 build had progressed to the point where I could ship it from Florida to Ron's Custom Auto in Jersey for final assembly and installation into my awaiting 1987 Turbo-T.
Though the engine sat expectantly in a corner of the shop, I decided to take a break from the motor build as my brand-new Precision Industries torque converter had arrived.
With my TR being a street/strip ride, I wanted to be able to up the stall speed for the bigger turbo and retain the converter lockup function on the street for better mileage and lower revs--that's a no-brainer that many converters, including the 10.5-inch lock-up unit currently in my 200-4R, are capable of.
But I also wanted this high-powered Buick to be able to abuse the hell out of the converter without it flinching, as well as lock it up at WOT for the best performance possible--and for that, I would need a multi-disc Vigilante.
The secret to this WOT lockup madness is the multiple clutch discs used in this converter. Guys with near-stock Turbo Buicks tapped into this trick for years with the factory 12-inch converter--and picked up some decent ET as well. Trouble is, the stock-type lock-up clutch in most converters isn't built to take this kind of abuse, and at the kind of power level I'm shooting for, it would be stupid to even try it--except with Precision's three- or five-disc offerings. I chose a five-disc, 9.5-inch unit for maximum reliability.
Correctly sizing the turbo and torque converter can be tricky, especially if the Buick will be used in a street/strip capacity. Based on the size and type of the turbo I chose, as well as my goals at the drag strip, I requested a Vigilante with approximately a 3,300- to 3,500-rpm stall speed. The multi-disc option will enable me to lock up the clutch at WOT for additional gains, and I purposely made the stall a couple hundred rpm higher just in case I wanted to try a bigger turbo down the road.
However, choosing the multi-disc meant installing a pump kit into the trans. The 200-4R is notorious for cross-leaks in the valve body, and a pump kit ensures better clutch apply. This is not extremely complicated, but I thought it was best to leave it to a pro--enter Dynotech's Eric Schertz. Since he built my 900-horse-capable Hi-Pro transmission, he was the right man for the job. Follow along to see how it's done.
Here's how the Hartline LC2 looked when it got to Ron's Custom in New Jersey. It's very close to being completed and I will be putting the finishing touches on it soon. But for now it's time to concentrate on the torque converter and a necessary transmission mod. | 
The Vigilante multi-disc converter is a really high-tech piece: the five-disc clutch features Precision's proprietary material, and allows ultra-powerful TRs to lock up the converter at WOT without any ill effects. A billet front cover provides the ultimate in strength--these converters are rated to 1,600 flywheel horses. Even the paint is trick; it's temp-sensitive to warn you when the fluid has been overheated. You get all this, with a 2-year warranty and one free stall speed adjustment, for $997. | 
Precision's $60 pump kit works by taking fluid from the filter feed and diverting it to the lockup ciruit for the multi-disc clutch. |