Mechanical Diodes vs. Sprags vs. Spragless

Mills588 · Apr 4, 2010

Fricken retard here on the art of converter-guts...so no pokin fun!

Sorry if I missed it using the "Search" function........

I was told by Lenny at Ultimate that his 8" with mechanical-diode is the shiz converter for my all out - n/a setup.

Can you guys educated me on the benefits and negatives if any, on the mechanical diode setup...? How it acts in comparison to a Sprag'd setup, versus Spragless?..

Will MPH be compriable to a sprag'd converter with the strength benefits of a spragress design going with a mech. diode converter? I believe that's what I got outta the two brief conversations I had with Lenny.... but I could have misunderstood.

I am seriously considering this converter as I've spoken with many running Lennys 8" with Mech-Diode kickin ass with compriable setups...

Just really wanna learn the tech aspects of the different internals.

Greatly appreciate any input....

Hutch · Apr 4, 2010

The diode is the Cadillac of the mechanical clutch assemblies used in a torque converter. Sprags , roller clutch's are the same just a different style.
Spragless converters have come a long way, are here to stay and have a place. Many have used them and seen very little difference in performance comparing them to a clutched stator but for all out performance in some applications a diodes, sprag etc. converter is preferred.

Hutch

Mills588 · Apr 4, 2010

Thanks Hutch.

69chicken · Apr 6, 2010

I was told that the Diode is a little stronger than a sprag setup. If Lenny suggested I would go with it.

Collinsautomotive · Apr 7, 2010

That and it also reduce the tendency for the sprag to slip when in a stall state. It tend to give you the consistency of a spragless with the efficiency of a sprag. We ran them in several turbo cars and the results were positive. I have them put into all my street/strip converters to.

Mills588 · Apr 7, 2010

Good to hear, thanks guys. I will definitely be getting one, just gotta save the buck$ right now. Will run my Hughes ProVI Spragless 9" to start the season.. then make the swap hopefully in a couple months. Curious to see the difference. Thanks again.

69chicken · Apr 8, 2010

Mills588 said:
Good to hear, thanks guys. I will definitely be getting one, just gotta save the buck$ right now. Will run my Hughes ProVI Spragless 9" to start the season.. then make the swap hopefully in a couple months. Curious to see the difference. Thanks again.

I think you will be

with the swap.

Jp outlaw · Apr 7, 2010

good info, thanks guys

67RS/SS · Apr 7, 2010

Here ya go Jeff, with pics

http://www.meansindustries.com/OneWayClutch.html

Mills588 · Apr 8, 2010

Shweet!!!! Exactly what I was looking for. Great Info! Thanks Steve!

How you doin' up there?

..and thanks JMark for the pics...

jmarkaudio · Apr 8, 2010

Here are picts of a 5 element diode apart. I would suggest making sure if you get a diode get the newer 10 element version.

Mean Green · Apr 8, 2010

X2 on the nice pics Jmark, good thread!

Buck02 · Apr 22, 2011

I hear you have to upgrade the Pump to handle the mechanical diode Converter or it will twist the stator tubes? What pump in a glide does every use to support that conveter?

Ultimatelenny · Apr 22, 2011

I have seen alot of guys go with aftermarket pumps and stator supports. Granted the diode does apply more stress on the support, the application and driving habits have a lot to do with longetivity. I have seen stock supports hang in there in some applications, but an upgrade is always a good way to be safe. A lot of good input here guys.

Buck02 · Apr 26, 2011

What Pump is reccomend for a Diode Conveter on a glide with a car making 1800hp sprag converter.

Hutch · Apr 28, 2011

There is not really a recommended pump. Are you having problems?

Hutch

Mechanical Diodes vs. Sprags vs. Spragless

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