Single clutch versus triple disk torque converters

[NYSS guy]

Can someone help me understand the difference between these two types of converters? I can't seem to find much info, and I'm trying to decide if the triple clutch setup is worth upgrading to...mods are in my signature. The only part I understand is the triple clutch will allow more slip, which is good for the 6l80 apparently, and it helps control heat better.

[Patrick G]

IMO, the additional weight of a triple disc converter slows the cars acceleration more than it benefits from locking up the converter in high gear. I've seen triple disc converters slow cars down 2 tenths compared to a lighter weight converter of the same stall. You can't get those 2 tenths back on the big end of the track either. Plus, the 6L80 transmissions do not seem to like being totally locked up at part throttle, even after you've zeroed out the transmission slip tables. I would avoid the triple disc converter even if the cost was the same as a single disc.

[NYSS guy]

Interesting. What about longevity? Do you think there's a difference between the 2?

[Patrick G]

Longevity, yes. You will keep your car longer with the single disc clutch. Too many people begin to hate their cars because of all the glitchy issues with triple disc converters. Don't fall into FTI's hard sell on the triple disc. They have no place in a car with your mods.

[G8-4-Speed]

Pat has a good point but I like my triple. It has locked good at the track manually and automatically in the tune. My tune has never given me issues locking it 100% driving it around on the street. It goes 100% locked or its off. This would be its biggest draw back as it takes away from the smooth street feel of a single disk.

[Daniel Linnett]

Fti made me a triple disc and it only weighs 2lbs more!! I was thoroughly impressed. It is a 4000 stall can wait to get the car together again to test.


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[Blanky]

My tuner is all GM and mainly plays with C6 vettes and gen5 camaros so he's comfortable with the 6l80 and I mentioned a circle d single disc 3000 stall and he thinks I should go Coan 3200 triple disk and is very sure ill be comfortable DD and will hardly notice it... Input/ thoughts?

[rocket69GTP]

Circle D makes a triple disc as well. Talk to Chris and give him all of the input on your mods and his recommendations are usually spot on.

[Blanky]

Anyone have input on Coan converters? Or really hate/ love 3200 stalls on our cars.. Yes I've read EVERY converter forum twice! I'm just bringing the subject up for the 50th time

[bluegoat06]

IMO, the additional weight of a triple disc converter slows the cars acceleration more than it benefits from locking up the converter in high gear. I've seen triple disc converters slow cars down 2 tenths compared to a lighter weight converter of the same stall. You can't get those 2 tenths back on the big end of the track either. Plus, the 6L80 transmissions do not seem to like being totally locked up at part throttle, even after you've zeroed out the transmission slip tables. I would avoid the triple disc converter even if the cost was the same as a single disc.

Patrick, what do you mean the trans do not seem to like being totally locked at part throttle ? mine is, i command lockup in 5th and 6th, with zero slip, i have modified the desires slip and tcc offset, she locks hard and clean, 0 tcc rpm slip. I can even give her gas in 6th gear while locked, and the slip is still zero, no problems at all, i have a Yank 3200 SS. car drives like stock except when the verter does the lockup, which feels like a little harsh extra shift. I've been told if we want the verter locking clutch to last, it should lock in full with no slip. my trans like it, so i don't understand the comment our trans doesn't seem to like being totally locked. from what i've seeing, people who let the verter slip at part throttle are the ones having trans issues, solenoids sticking etc, etc, aftermarket verters shouldn't slip when locked like the factory allows the stock units to do.

[cynic783]

In theory, full lockup is good for efficiency, right? Metal on metal mechanical coupling of engine to trans, right?

If only you could control the actual gear with a lever and clutch the engine directly to the selected gear with say a pedal you push with your left foot. :)