@pmarin That’s the torque converter of an automatic transmission, which fills part of the function of a flywheel by providing a large rotating mass on the end of the crankshaft, which helps the engine to operate smoothly. (The torque converter is connected to the crankshaft via the flex plate, which is mounted in the same location as the actual flywheel that would be used with a manual transmission, but the flex plate is very light and doesn’t do the same job.)
@werehatrack Ahh, the age of the classic hydraulic 3 speed automatics. A lot of energy from the big V-8s went into waste heat so needed extra-big coolers especially if towing. But gas <$1/gal so inefficiency wasn’t a concern. I remember the introduction of “lock-up” torque converters, usually with the newer 4 speeds. I guess saved a bit fuel and less heat. You could feel when it engaged and rpm dropped to keep going at same speed.
Not sure what the new tech uses. My diesel truck has a 6-speed. I had an engine tuning monitor installed mostly to monitor temps and boost, and actually has made it more efficient, but apparently if I go into the special menus I can crank up performance (never felt a need to do that). But was warned don’t go to the higher settings if you have a stock transmission.
Electric 1-speed car also working fine around town.
@pmarin@werehatrack
My goodness, all this motor talk actually got my juices flowing! I actually thought my sugar was low, sweaty hands and anxiety throughout my body. Then I realized nope, just excited about old days wrenching on my hot rods! I know I loved it but sometimes I forget how much I miss it! VROOM VROOM Thanks!
@pmarin@werehatrack I enjoyed the instant torque at low speeds from my wife’s (former) electric car. It was just basic transport, not a high-performance model, but the 200HP motor/66KW battery got it moving pretty nicely when needed (max torque at 0 RPM!). Too bad that model had some battery issues (our unit never had problems) so the SW was neutered to only allow max 80% charge. Otherwise we would have considered keeping it when the lease expired.
Someone had a sense of humor…
I may have to start doing that to carefully selected bits when performing major repairs…
That is wonderful! Is that a big transmission flywheel? Never seen one but could guess.
I was thinking it was something Elon Musk would do just to F with us.
https://images.app.goo.gl/y7mg9C2EJpFq2xaeA
@pmarin That’s the torque converter of an automatic transmission, which fills part of the function of a flywheel by providing a large rotating mass on the end of the crankshaft, which helps the engine to operate smoothly. (The torque converter is connected to the crankshaft via the flex plate, which is mounted in the same location as the actual flywheel that would be used with a manual transmission, but the flex plate is very light and doesn’t do the same job.)
@werehatrack Ahh, the age of the classic hydraulic 3 speed automatics. A lot of energy from the big V-8s went into waste heat so needed extra-big coolers especially if towing. But gas <$1/gal so inefficiency wasn’t a concern. I remember the introduction of “lock-up” torque converters, usually with the newer 4 speeds. I guess saved a bit fuel and less heat. You could feel when it engaged and rpm dropped to keep going at same speed.
Not sure what the new tech uses. My diesel truck has a 6-speed. I had an engine tuning monitor installed mostly to monitor temps and boost, and actually has made it more efficient, but apparently if I go into the special menus I can crank up performance (never felt a need to do that). But was warned don’t go to the higher settings if you have a stock transmission.
Electric 1-speed car also working fine around town.
@pmarin @werehatrack
Thanks! 
My goodness, all this motor talk actually got my juices flowing! I actually thought my sugar was low, sweaty hands and anxiety throughout my body. Then I realized nope, just excited about old days wrenching on my hot rods! I know I loved it but sometimes I forget how much I miss it! VROOM VROOM
@pmarin @werehatrack I enjoyed the instant torque at low speeds from my wife’s (former) electric car. It was just basic transport, not a high-performance model, but the 200HP motor/66KW battery got it moving pretty nicely when needed (max torque at 0 RPM!). Too bad that model had some battery issues (our unit never had problems) so the SW was neutered to only allow max 80% charge. Otherwise we would have considered keeping it when the lease expired.