Power under load problem

alky67malibu · 09-10-2009, 06:31 PM

I have a 1977 Super Gas Vega, and have a problem. The powertrain is a 496 BBC with 781 ported heads, stainless valves, 13.5:1 CR, 1050 Dominator carb, Dedenbear TS6 stop, Mike's Transmission Ultimate Glide, ATI 8" converter, 12 bolt with 4.30 gear, 32" tire. Car weighs 2700 with me in it. I have a problem now that is stumping me and I was wondering if anyone could tell me the first place to look. When I engage the transbrake to stage the car, it revs poorly and falls right on its face upon transbrake release. It also does the same thing in the waterbox, like it doesn't want to spin the tires. The motor is fresh, and everything has worked before (the problem was there before some new parts). Is this a trans/converter issue? Any help or advice is greatly appreciated, my first electronics car, sorta new at it.

rgarvey · 09-10-2009, 08:31 PM

sounds like a possible convertor issue

Chris Williams · 09-10-2009, 09:27 PM

I agree, check/swap the converter.

alky67malibu · 09-11-2009, 06:25 AM

Thanks guys, the converter will come out this weekend, and I'll let you know!!!

voltdr · 09-11-2009, 07:44 AM

Broken sprag in converter.

alky67malibu · 09-14-2009, 08:17 AM

Took the converter out this weekend, BROKEN SPRAG!!! Getting a brand new FTI piece. Thanks TONS for the help!!!!

Bill Baer · 09-15-2009, 12:04 AM

Did you give any consideration to a spragless converter? I have tried one and I liked it.

alky67malibu · 09-15-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Baer

Did you give any consideration to a spragless converter? I have tried one and I liked it.

Yeah, I am getting a spragless, less to worry about, and it'll be more consistent.

voltdr · 09-16-2009, 07:06 AM

Most people will break the sprag while doing the burnout. If you keeping applying power when the cars hooks it will break the sprag. I've only had one break in the last 7 years on my SC dragster (knock, knock).

BIZMANRACING · 09-24-2009, 09:18 AM

SINCE EVERYBODY IS TALKING CONVERTER AND TRANS.

might if i look in a different area.

by your handle i read "ALKYL" if that means your running alochol. then i think there is your problem. try launching on the footbrake. don't try to raise the rpm to much and just mash it on the green. dose it boog then? if not i think all you need is a converter helper wired to your trans brake. when on the brake and at lauch rpm it will send the fuel back to the tank. since you don't need that much fuel. i had the same problem with my car. that took care of the problem. you'll then need to get a high speed lean out value for the big end since lean is fast and fat is slow.

09-10-2009, 06:31 PM	#1
alky67malibu Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Power under load problem I have a 1977 Super Gas Vega, and have a problem. The powertrain is a 496 BBC with 781 ported heads, stainless valves, 13.5:1 CR, 1050 Dominator carb, Dedenbear TS6 stop, Mike's Transmission Ultimate Glide, ATI 8" converter, 12 bolt with 4.30 gear, 32" tire. Car weighs 2700 with me in it. I have a problem now that is stumping me and I was wondering if anyone could tell me the first place to look. When I engage the transbrake to stage the car, it revs poorly and falls right on its face upon transbrake release. It also does the same thing in the waterbox, like it doesn't want to spin the tires. The motor is fresh, and everything has worked before (the problem was there before some new parts). Is this a trans/converter issue? Any help or advice is greatly appreciated, my first electronics car, sorta new at it.

09-10-2009, 08:31 PM	#2
rgarvey Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 58 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Power under load problem sounds like a possible convertor issue

09-10-2009, 09:27 PM	#3
Chris Williams Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 401 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Power under load problem I agree, check/swap the converter. __________________ Chris Williams 6304 SC, TD, ET

09-11-2009, 06:25 AM	#4
alky67malibu Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Power under load problem Thanks guys, the converter will come out this weekend, and I'll let you know!!!

09-11-2009, 07:44 AM	#5
voltdr Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 700 Likes: 77 Liked 87 Times in 47 Posts	Re: Power under load problem Broken sprag in converter. Last edited by voltdr; 09-11-2009 at 07:44 AM. Reason: spelling

09-14-2009, 08:17 AM	#6
alky67malibu Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Power under load problem Took the converter out this weekend, BROKEN SPRAG!!! Getting a brand new FTI piece. Thanks TONS for the help!!!!

09-15-2009, 12:04 AM	#7
Bill Baer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Nothern IL Posts: 596 Likes: 1 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Power under load problem Did you give any consideration to a spragless converter? I have tried one and I liked it. __________________ Bill Baer 3391 SC, 339B SC, QR

09-16-2009, 07:06 AM	#9
voltdr Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 700 Likes: 77 Liked 87 Times in 47 Posts	Re: Power under load problem Most people will break the sprag while doing the burnout. If you keeping applying power when the cars hooks it will break the sprag. I've only had one break in the last 7 years on my SC dragster (knock, knock).

09-24-2009, 09:18 AM	#10
BIZMANRACING Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: east brunswick, new jersey Posts: 62 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Power under load problem SINCE EVERYBODY IS TALKING CONVERTER AND TRANS. might if i look in a different area. by your handle i read "ALKYL" if that means your running alochol. then i think there is your problem. try launching on the footbrake. don't try to raise the rpm to much and just mash it on the green. dose it boog then? if not i think all you need is a converter helper wired to your trans brake. when on the brake and at lauch rpm it will send the fuel back to the tank. since you don't need that much fuel. i had the same problem with my car. that took care of the problem. you'll then need to get a high speed lean out value for the big end since lean is fast and fat is slow. __________________ S/ST 1739 Carlos Mendes