Need help from the Buick guys

[ewscott]

I have a beefed up Turbo 2004r from a Buick Grand National rated to 450 HP, 2500 stall lock-up torque converter. I have it installed behind a 425 HP 388 stroker in a 71 Chevelle with a 12 bolt 4.11 posi. This car of course has no computer so there is a pressure switch on the side of the tranny that activates the lockup converter only in 4th gear (OD). This switch supplies 12 volts to an internal relay or solenoid to signal the lockup to take place. The 12 volts to the lockup engages as soon as it goes into 4th (OD) gear. I can purchase a DELAY ON MAKE relay to delay this function from 3-30 seconds (adjustable) and install between the output side of the pressure switch and the connector that carries the current into the tranny. I know this will work because I can shut of the 12 volts off from a switch on the dashboard so the car doesn’t lug in 4th gear if I slow down too much in city traffic...
Note: When I do this function with the switch installed on the dash (delay the lock-up) the Chevelle sounds like it has a 5 speed tranny because of the looser converter.

My question? How much current does this internal rely or solenoid require? I can purchase the Delay on Make Relay for up to 1 amp or 10 amps. Does anyone have any idea what the current requirements are or an educated guess??

[Steve Wood]

Buicks use a 10 amp fuse to power the lock up solenoid..