I'm currently in the market for a 518. I understand what the function of the lockup is, I've just been getting some mixed answers on which one to get. I know to avoid any of the 46REs(as they're for sure lockup and beyond what I care to deal with to make it work). It'll be going in a 90 2wd dak behind a carbed 375ish horse 360 and is likely to have a 100 shot of fun juice for the strip.

I'd pretty well just be set on getting a non-lockup as I'd only have to deal with a switch for the OD. Problem is it's proving quite difficult to actually find a non-lockup 518. I am getting answers all over the map about what vehicles to search for. I assume dakotas, rams and maybe some vans had them, but beyond needing to be pre-93 I'm in the dark.

My other option is to just get the lockup tranny and not use the lockup... but I've had some people telling me that they're still a weaker converter or it will hurt the transmission... I'd like to think these claims are bogus, but I'm no expert.

I do know I'm going to abuse it, I regularly tow with the truck and it's likely to be at the drag strip a lot so... Bare minimum it's getting a shift kit and a 2500-3000 converter(big tranny cooler, so I'm not too worried about the lockup in that regard).

 

A TCC helps. In pure racing it might help to gain a little more power to the wheels. If you don't want a lock up just get a non-locking torque converter or just never wire it up.

 

I'm pretty sure with that stall I'll be on the converter the whole time down the track Either way I'll probably just go pick up a lockup tranny and call it good, seems it'll probably easier to get parts for when I break it.

Just thought I'd do one last check before I get paid.