Converters and transmissions can be very confusing, especially if your new to them!
OK lets define a couple things first.
Stall speed = a desired rpm range in which the torque converter forces fluid outward through its vains to engage movement, bringing the motor and the transmission together.
Flash stall speed = a certain rpm that is reached when the gas pedal is mashed to the floor. Flash stall speed is usually a higher rpm then normal stall speed.
Non-lock up = Say you have a 2500 non-lock up converter, when you accelerate the converter will spool up to the stall speed of the converter before movement happens. This will happen in every gear, and the converter will always be loose. Not coming close to that 1 to 1 ratio the stock converter has. (Good for performance, keeping the rpms higher for engines that have higher power bands.)
Lock up = For 1st and 2nd, the same thing happens as above in the non-lock up statement. Now lock up happens in 3rd and 4th gear, causing the transmission to be closer to a 1 to 1 ratio. (good for fuel economy and has lower rpm's on the free way. Lock up is controlled by the inner shaft on the input shaft of the transmission.
Solid or 1 piece input shaft = Like stated, just one piece, and is very strong compared to stock. The stock input shaft has 3 splines that control lockup and such.
These are just the very basic explanations, to help you understand what happens in these complex transmissions. There can be more said about automatics, and I'm sure that someone else will pick up where I left off. I just don't want to confuse you with a whole bunch on chaos and technical info. Hope This helped some!
-Craig
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NewEngland Auto www.baystategearheads.com
-91 Mustang Coupe, ex 4cyl (sold)
-99 F150, 3" lift, 35" Procomps, Magnaflow exhaust
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