[ever_green]

My car allows me to accelerate with a locked up torque converter above 40mph with approximately 50-60% engine load at 1800rpm according to my scangauge. However below 40mph the torque converter is always unlocked or slipping (unless decelerating) so i havent noticed improvement with lower load acceleration. But for above 40mph every test i did shows locked acceleration at low loads is better than unlocked or slipping TQ at 80% plus loads. However instruments are not always accurate and i was just wondering what other people with auto transmissions think about this? Are torque converters the bigger problem compared to engine pumping loss associated with smaller throttle opening? Someone told me my car isnt subjected to traditional pumping losses because of variable valve lift system.