Caspers latest visit to the JMM Skunkworks..

[Casper]

OK, time for the wrap up.
Many of you have asked, a number of you knew. Yes, my car was at JMM and no, it wasn’t a Jacket or sticker this time. Today was a real mod, one I have been after for about 6 months.
So what was it? Well, for those that haven’t worked it out from the clues (that were about as subtle as a train crashing into a truck filled with TNT) it was the JMM 3000rpm Stall converter.


I’ll assume most of you already know what it does… so how does it work?

Well, I think the best way to explain it is HOLY CRAP..YEEHAAAA!!!
Damn, these things work! Not only do they work but they work WELL!

I was lucky enough to actually get driven there today by Laminge in his Fairlane Ghia, fitted with one of these things, and I couldn’t feel any difference while just putting around. Then he gave it a squirt on Millers Rd and suddenly you knew something was up, the big heavy luxobarge surged forward quicker than some modded XR’s I had been in (15.6 ET does not do this car justice.. it deserves a second less for the sheer comfort and style factor).
Anyhow, this just made me think how much of a difference I would notice.

After a chat to Brenden and Jim about the goings on at JMM (there are some surprises in store.. oh, and if its not raining at Calder tomorrow the Red EB is coming back and its old time is going to get decimated) and having a look at the new turbo kits (top spec, :sm_drool: , gimmie gimmie) I finally trundled out of the driveway in my new toy (sorry for those 2 black lines Brenden : ).

So, whats it like? Well, puttering about on 1/5th throttle its simply not there, nothing, you don’t notice it at all. Get to about 1/4 throttle and there’s a noticeable change as you hear the note of the engine change as it revs a little harder. After that it just gets to be fun.. followed by silly fun, followed but tyre shredding goodness.

Given the grip I’ve grown to know and love with the XR and its IRS, wheelspin has never been a problem at launch.. ever. Even in the rain its always been very composed. Sure, I could make it spin but it had to be forced so to speak. This is no longer the case : Take off as normal, nothing there. Floor it from standstill and you have major tyre smoke if wanted. Stall this puppy up and let rip and your going to court for tyre abuse (and probably a few other things). It is stunning how it has changed the car. Brenden said you have to relearn how to drive your car… he was understating it. Its now a whole different animal.

So now the big questions.
A) Does it work? Hell yes, far more than I expected
B) Will it improve take offs? With traction…the difference is massive.
C) Will it use more fuel? Probably. If you take off with minimal throttle then it simply does not feel like its there… but who takes of at 1/5 throttle?? I'm going to be burning up more fuel.. and loving it Oh, and yes, tyre wear will be an issue on the rears.. at least in my car! :
D) Does it even out the manuals advantages? No, not quite. Add some diff gear changes and then it will be a manual killer but its not quite there by itself. But then again, can you drive a manual and drop its clutch at 4000rpm each day? Cause that’s about the change it makes to an auto.
E) Was it worth it? If you own a Falcon auto, you MUST have one of these if you are serious about performance. It is like someone has given my car a massive dose of steroids … yet not a KW difference has been made.

Anyhow, another mod down, time to start saving for the next one… and that’s going to REALLY make some ¼ mile difference to the old Grandpa VCT!

[dansedgli]

Yay! finally! Are you bringing it out on the 22nd? It will have to get into the 14's for sure!

[b2tf]

Casper you liar. You said it was new seat covers with the JMM logo and the stall was just the cover story.

I feel so wronged....:

[Casper]

Originally Posted by dansedgli

Yay! finally! Are you bringing it out on the 22nd? It will have to get into the 14's for sure!

Yes and I bloody hope so. Unopened 14's... Mmmm.

3000rpm stall + flooring it from standstill = massive smoke and joyous insanity

[Stav]

14 second Casper mobile!!!Good stuff mate!!

[jonbays]

I think 14's will take some self control there by the sound of it though.

[Dark Horse]

Must be a good day for all Dunlop employees.

Originally Posted by Casper

… but who takes of at 1/5 throttle??

If Mr Plod's around, pretty much all of us I'd say.

Anyhow, I'll sit here and watch your fuel bill quadruple. So one question. Does it feel like you're driving with a live axle again when you give generously to the accelerator?

One more question. Does Brenden give driving tips, jackets and stickers with each and every stall converter thingy installation?

[xr6 ausome]

cost whats it worth?

[xr8ute]

sounds like a lot of fun

[Casper]

Originally Posted by Dark Horse

Must be a good day for all Dunlop employees.

Time to buy shares I think.

Originally Posted by Dark Horse

If Mr Plod's around, pretty much all of us I'd say.

Wuss :P

Originally Posted by Dark Horse

Anyhow, I'll sit here and watch your fuel bill quadruple. So one question. Does it feel like you're driving with a live axle again when you give generously to the accelerator?

Nope, if I had Live Axle I'd still be at that intersection smoking tyres..and probably facing the wrong way

Originally Posted by Dark Horse

One more question. Does Brenden give driving tips, jackets and stickers with each and every stall converter thingy installation?

No... but you could ask I guess.

Originally Posted by low ed

cost whats it worth?

About $1200 fitted with new oil and a whopping big trans cooler as well.
As for fun, PRICELESS!


Also kiss goodbye any thought of keeping your license :eclipsee_ :eclipsee_

[The Mighty Red]

Nice One!! And I thought you were getting it lowered , haha,

It certainly sounds the biz,

Should see you into the 14's no probs,

[Walkinshaw]

Originally Posted by Casper

After a chat to Brenden and Jim about the goings on at JMM (there are some surprises in store.. oh, and if its not raining at Calder tomorrow the Red EB is coming back and its old time is going to get decimated)

Why do i get the feeling that if there is a 'leak' people will start laughing arround this car?


TOP work with the stall mate. ALMOST makes me want to keep the btr. Then i wake up.

[SpoolMan]

unopened 14's is easy for a AU6 even without a hi-stall....
Good work Casper watch that rear rubber, they fry a lot easier now...
Calder tomorrow night?

[Casper]

Originally Posted by XRFPV8

unopened 14's is easy for a AU6 even without a hi-stall....

Yeah, fit 3.9 diff gears :P.. I might just do that too hehehehe.
Good work Casper watch that rear rubber, they fry a lot easier now...
Calder tomorrow night?[/QUOTE]
Rubber burning has become my constant companion.

Calder is a no go this week, I'll see how I go next month. Want to try it out on the track.

[stiddy]

Awsome stuff casper, JMM as proved himself once again :P
whens he gonna start doing short shift kits for manuals ? hahaha

by the sounds of it you should be aiming for a 14.8 now ;)

ive been talking to casper for ages now, and for the last 2 weeks hes been like a school boy getting more and more excited each day, even his msn name (stalling soon) haha, its finally happened, congrats man

[geza]

Originally Posted by Casper

I’ll assume most of you already know what it does… so how does it work?

Hi Casper
I'm pretty new to this, could you please explain how you would use the stall converter? 3000rpm stall?

Sorry mate, gotta learn somehow?
Gerry

[Casper]

Originally Posted by geza

Hi Casper
I'm pretty new to this, could you please explain how you would use the stall converter? 3000rpm stall?

Sorry mate, gotta learn somehow?
Gerry

To use: Slam right foot on go pedal.. if your tyres are spinning and your not moving..its working :P

Think of the stall converter as a clutch with predetermind slip charateristics. All autos have a stall in them already. When you accelorate the engine jumps up to the stall speed (say 2000rpm) and you start moving. If you put your foot on the brake and stall up the engine you can sit at about 1800rpm before the rear tyres overwhelm the brakes and start spinning.
This means that, as you take off hard, the engine gets to about 2000rpm and the "clutch" is locked in and you are driving the rear wheels. Problem is that peak torque in an I6 is about 3000rpm (or 3500prm in the VCT) so from 2000rpm to 3000rpm you are in a 'low power' zone and with the high first gear of the Falcon, thats a crappy place to be.

Now take all the above and make the numbers = 2800rpm to 3000rpm. As you take off your engine is in peak torque rpms... make for a very much quicker launch.

[geza]

Thanks Casper

Clear and simply. I finally understand it. :

Oh, did you see that galaxy blue AU fairmont at JMM's with the broken front bar...she's mine.
I can't wait until she's ready.

Cheers
Gerry

[Falcon Coupe]

It sounds like fun Casper, i havn't driven an auto with a big stall convertor before, the way you describe it, i'm looking forward to doing so.

[Casper]

Originally Posted by Falcon Coupe

It sounds like fun Casper, i havn't driven an auto with a big stall convertor before, the way you describe it, i'm looking forward to doing so.

Its changed the way the car reacts, much more than I hoped for. Should have been std on all XR's.

[LuvinmyEB]

Originally Posted by Casper

E)Was it worth it? If you own a Falcon auto, you MUST have one of these if you are serious about performance. It is like someone has given my car a massive dose of steroids … yet not a KW difference has been made.

Ok, I'm jealous! :sm_drool:
Anyone know of any banks that don't have great security?

Sounds like your having great fun with your car Casper, Brendan really knows how to get the best out of the autos that's for sure!

Enjoy!

[duaned]

Oh God I want one! But Im in bloody Adelaide!

[Stav]

Is this the best mod yet?

[Casper]

Originally Posted by useless

Is this the best mod yet?

No, the exhaust was still the biggest change to the car.
I dont look at the mods individually as 'this is better than that one', its a whole package and each adds to it. So long as it improves the cars performance its a winner.. so far they are all winners.

[Stav]

True.It is the sum of parts...Their exhausts are definately awesome.

[Sleeperau]

Originally Posted by Casper

Yeah, fit 3.9 diff gears :P.. I might just do that too hehehehe.
Good work Casper watch that rear rubber, they fry a lot easier now...
Calder tomorrow night?
Rubber burning has become my constant companion.

Calder is a no go this week, I'll see how I go next month. Want to try it out on the track.

Great news just beat the so called VCT killa v8 ED? at the Au vs e series drags. I have no doubt u will! :voldar02:

[Casper]

Originally Posted by Sleeperau

Great news just beat the so called VCT killa v8 ED? at the Au vs e series drags. I have no doubt u will! :voldar02:

Um, not sure about that. I'd just be happy to get into the 14's to be honest. Remember, the engine is still 100% stock, its never been opened. Diff is 100% stock too. Its hardly a V8 killer yet but give me time, each mod is a step in the right direction and there are still many plans for this cars performance. I've only just begun.

[Velociraptor]

Congrats Casper, enjoy your new toy. :dr_Evil:

Whats the difference in 1/4 mile times?

Also, when your cruising at 60KM/hr in 3rd at 1800rpm, then floor it. What happens? Does the auto kick back a gear, then launch at ~3000?

The main thing that annoys me about my falcon is the auto lagg, which I'm hoping a ChiipTorque and this will fix?

Casper, so it still idles the same, but this TC changes the clutch point? So at a lights idling, she'll still sit at 900rpm? Do you still need to hold the brake in, and keep he at 1800?

[Casper]

OK, as I said, if your not playing you dont even know its there. Idle is the same, driving sedately is the same (almost.. you do notice a slightly higher rpm but not too much). Auto kick back is also unchanged. Cruising is the same but with a slightly higher RPM, maybe 100-200prm more. Nothing is significantly different really UNTIL you give it a bit of stick (from about 1/3 throttle on.. thats when its noticable).

Where its really different is if you are sitting still, just idling, and you floor it the rpms instantly jump to about 3100rpm (as opposed to about 2400rpm normally). This it almost right at the peak torque point of the cars engine and allows for some serious power launches.

Also, if you stall the engine up on the brake it now will easily stall to 2700+rpm rather than 2000rpm like it used to. This may not seem much but 700rpm is a huge difference and puts the engine right near the peak torque. As soon as you lift off the brake it then flashes to 3100rpm and just bolts from the standing start (accompanied by wheelspin and tyre smoke usually)

Difference in 1/4 times? Hard to say without running a 1/4 but at a guess I would say a .2 or .3 improvement if I can get traction. Given I run at about 37psi normally a drop in the rear tyres to 20psi should see more than enough traction to get a decent launch.