The torque converter is a particularly important piece of hardware in the automatic drivetrain. Especially in performance applications. It is responsible for transferring torque produced by the engine and converting it into usable power that can be applied to the ground through the transmission, rear-end gears, and ultimately the tires. This post is not meant to be a tutorial on how to choose a torque converter for your vehicle, but rather it is intended to give you a foundation to better understand the terminology and functionality. Always consult a professional, in this case I recommend the manufacturer, when selecting the appropriate torque converter for your application.
How Does A Torque Converter Work?
I could write a 5000 word explanation of how a torque converter works but in the end you probably still wouldn't understand. So instead, I am going to show you the same way I learned so many of the important things in life: US Army training film. Seriously. The US military are experts are breaking complicated topics down so that anyone can understand. So, invest a few minutes in furthering your automotive education and enjoy!