<VV> Switch Pitch Converters

[Debbie Duval]

"For an early I suspect

>they might have adapted the "Switch-Pitch" torque converter that allowed 
>the 2-speed Jetaway to be advertised as a three speed."

So, is this a dual pitch turbine torque converter similar to the one in 
my 56 Buick that switches pitch by a rod connected to the accelerator 
pedal giving you a forced downshift anytime you floor the car? Thus 
giving you  4 speeds forward and two reverse in a transmission that has 
5 elements in the torque converter but no gear set change in drive.Only 
transmission I know with a  downshift in reverse, and yes it does work!

Pinky may have been based on the second generation hydramatic ( before 
the turbo name was added). Anyone remember? The first generation 
hydramatic had the torque converter hydraulically in the middle of the 
transmission system, not between the engine and transmission. Anyone who 
removed an engine from an early 1956 and earlier Pontiac/Olds/Cad and 
had to remove the 30 bolts to separate the torque converter halves can 
attest to the power flow being very different.

Frank DuVal