Tech Question
Tom Gipe, Cypress, CA, 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 572
Dear Rich, I’m a long time subscriber and have a question. Idrag race my 1968 Charger a little and when I get a really good full powerlaunch the torque converter bolts start to loosen. My Charger’s Dick LandyIndustries Hemi dynoed at 656hp and 712 lb-ft at the crank. My best 60 footis 1.595 sec and 1/8th mile time is 7.265 sec @ 94.39 mph. I figure that’sabout 11.5 sec in the 1/4 mile. The TC has the 7/16″ bolts. I put in ARP 12point bolts and have used high temp Loctite, but that didn’t do the trick.My car weighs 3,850 lb (empty), uses 4.10 gears and drag radials. I askedanother Mopar guy that runs similar times to mine if he has this problem.He said it happens to him all the time and he just accepts it. I figurethere’s got to be a solution but I figure you’d know the answer straightoff. My torque converter is made by Pro-Torque with about a 3,500 rpm stallspeed.
Final statement – Mopar Action rules, believe it or not, because of thewriting. Thank you for making my hobby so much fun.
Tom-
I think you’re just not putting enough torque on them. Needs 55-60 ft./lbs,and “killer” red Loctite.
Beyond that, I suppose if there’s lots of TIR between the crank and trannycenterlines, that might tend to make the screws loosen. Unfortunately,tranny must be gutted to the bare case to check this.
Rick
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