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4ePikinini Torque Converter Lock-up Kit

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 2:14 pm
by GertM
I suppose it may be necessary to start a thread to report back on the above. I do not know how many of these kits have been sold, but I bought one and finished installing it today.

I struck a few problems, no, hiccups, since Saturday, but must report that the installation was an easy task if you read and follow the very comprehensive instructions supplied by Marius. He was always at hand on the phone and with e-mails to explain and help where he can. Thanks Marius. You're a great guy!

So, its fitted and working. I agree that this is a mod to be used on the highways where a steady speed must be retained. To use it in town is, I suppose, possible, but I do'nt think that this is the purpose of it. Towing, I am sure will be a breeze for this mod, especially with a trailer that is not as bulky as a big caravan. I will report back on this aspect when we return from Namaqualand in September. I'm looking forward to a saving in diesel as well.

Re: 4ePikinini Torque Converter Lock-up Kit

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 2:27 pm
by 4ePikanini
Thanks for the feedback Gert

Glad it's working for you. Sometimes you will have hiccups with an aftermarket modification - especially if you do a DIY install and the seller isn't on hand to oversee the install. ;)

I made the instructions as detailed as possible to help with the install. If anybody has any issues pleas contact me. I have created a few diagrams for testing purposes that can be sent if you have any issues as well.

If anybody isn't keen on a DIY, fly me up for a weekend :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

Re: 4ePikinini Torque Converter Lock-up Kit

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 7:02 pm
by 4ePikanini
Right so GertM and Tokkie's install is in and working.

Biggish had faulty relays and a new kit has been sent. I only use proper expensive Bosch relays now. Lesson learnt. :oops:

I have another 3 ready to ship for anyone interested.

Re: 4ePikinini Torque Converter Lock-up Kit

Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 12:19 pm
by GideonKrynauw
Hi there,

I was wondering, would it be possible to engage the lock-up kit automatically when in tip tronic mode only? Then when you have the car in D, it is not engaged and when in tip tronic it is as if you are driving a manual gearbox? No other switches; the lock-up kit activated only in tip tronic mode. Then it is up to the user driving in manual mode will force the gearbox to lock directly in a gear, even with speed control on.

Regards
GK

Re: 4ePikinini Torque Converter Lock-up Kit

Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 12:26 pm
by 4ePikanini
yes, it is possible. You will either have to install a detection switch or look for a status wire.

The reason I won't do it like that is that you won't be able to pull away in Tip. If you are stationary and you move the lever from "D" to tip it will stall with a thud.

Numerous variants can be done with this kit but the more complex you make it, the more room for failure.

I kept it basic and it has not let me down since I installed it.

I also haven't heard any negative feedback from the people who bought it from me.

NB : I have 3 kits ready to go. Order this week and get R150 off. :) (ie. Price dropped from R1150 to R1000 - this week only - first come first served)

Re: 4ePikinini Torque Converter Lock-up Kit

Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 2:34 pm
by GertM
I just had my first long trip with the lock up kit. Must say I quite like the option to lock up at speeds under 120, on the roads when you nearing Gauteng.
I cannot comment on fuel economy, as we had this TERRIBLE wind which was not conducive to fuel saving. I will test again later when we go to Namaqualand for an extended flower trip.

Re: 4ePikinini Torque Converter Lock-up Kit

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 6:55 am
by Chris
[tab=30][tab=30]
Can the installers of this lock up kit give us some feedback now after a few months. Are you still happy with that and are there any after effects at this stage. Who installed this on a Gen 4?

Re: 4ePikinini Torque Converter Lock-up Kit

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:21 am
by 4ePikanini
Chris wrote:[tab=30][tab=30]
Can the installers of this lock up kit give us some feedback now after a few months. Are you still happy with that and are there any after effects at this stage. Who installed this on a Gen 4?
No one has come back to me..... which is a good thing! :)

Re: 4ePikinini Torque Converter Lock-up Kit

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:12 am
by GertM
Mine is still functioning well and I have had no issues with it.
I use it regularly on a long trip but to be honest I cannot comment on its value as a fuelsaver - at least not to an extent where you can justify the cash outlay. Where it is of value, to my mind, is the fact that you can lock up the transmission UNDER 120 k/mh and therefore eliminate the "slipping" when you need to accelerate just a little bit to pass or encounter a small incline, even in automatic. As I said previously, what is nice, is when towing and travelling at under 120 and you come to an incline and you can feel that you need perhaps a lower ratio, I just switch out of lock, and the t/c picks up the slip necessary to effortlessly climb the incline with no stress. I like that.

Re: 4ePikinini Torque Converter Lock-up Kit

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:16 am
by 4ePikanini
the biggest benefit for me when I used it was the engine braking on mountain passes with the TC locked up.