Yes you do, in order for it to shift properly, however you don't have to run the lockup converter if you don't want too. I have one in my 1979 El Camino, and i have the conversion manuel lockup switch, but i don't have it hooked up. I bought the manuel switch from TCI and installed it in the trans, but never installed a toggle switch. It goes into overdrive, it just doesn't lock up the converter. I don't drive the car much, in fact i haven't even looked at it in over 6 mos. It's in my inclosed race car trailer. I installed the trans in 2001 and it's been that way since day one.
Zip.
Car below, rolled out of the paint booth dec. 24, 1988, ground up restore and it's still the same today, the weird shadows is water on the car since i had just washed it.
Almost twin's, the Malibu is a 1980, i once towed the Malibu to the races with the El camino on an open black trailer, talk about looks, priceless.
