Question for the Mad Dr.

[Jackpine]

I was actually having a bit of trouble with several points in this thread, but I decided to wait just a bit before coming back in.

Isn't it the case that when the torque converter is unlocked, it acts as a torque multiplier? (Since it allows the engine to rev at a higher RPM where it has more power to deliver).

And, my somewhat limited understanding of torque converters suggests to me that if they are unlocked, they generate a lot of heat - that energy coupling through the fluid has to go somewhere. But, if the converter is locked, then it is really doing nothing (relatively speaking) so it's not producing heat at all.

Isn't it the case that there is the least amount of wear on the powertrain if the transmission stays in one gear and the torque converter stays locked?

- Jack