need help C4 Torque Converter choices

[mbell]

I am currently looking at purchasing a TCI converter for my C4. I have given all my cam specs and vehicle info to TCI and they propose a TCI Breakaway converter. They started recommending the Street Fighter model. Problem with the Street fighter is has a tendancy to run hot if driven long distances ( TCI's opinion). I don't plan on racing and I would like to be able to drive 100 miles if I wanted.

Any thoughts on converters?

The C4 has been built up - kevlar bands, red line clutch packs, welded drum and shift kit.

408 stroker +/- 475 hp
3:55 gear
295/50/15 tires
770 street avenger carb
Brodix track 1 heads
Comp cam #35-246-3
Lift .519/.523 duration @ .050 230/236
Edelbrock airgap intake
1 7/8 ceramic hooker headers
9.5 compression
it's a 1969 fastback - i'm guessing 3600 pounds - does anyone know?

Thanks again,
Mark
PS - (my wife says i'm going some midlife crisis - I say I'm just building the car I aways wanted years ago but could never afford)

 

[66HertzClone]

I bought one form Edge, http://www.edgeracingconverters.com/index.html They did a custom job and matched it to the specs I gave them. I asked about the need for an additional cooler, they told me if I was "driving it like I stole it" on an everyday basis, then add a cooler. I am just running the in the rad cooler.

I am very happy with the results and performance increase, well worth the money.

 

[allcarfan]

I think Edge also sells on Ebay.

 

[thehueypilot]

Try PTC.....I have never had an issue with their convertors.

 

[67Dylan]

I also vote for PTC; they made a very nice conv for me. Call them, tell them your combo and what you want and they'll take care of you.

 

[Vinyl66]

Edge!

 

[Vinyl66]

I have had the TCI Breakaway and an Edge converter on the same car with the same engine. Absolutely no comparison! Get a custom converter. They do cost more but are well worth it.
With any aftermarket converter definitely get a trans. cooler. They do make more heat. Heat is what kills most transmissions. It is cheap insurance.

 

[jb1dsl]

Second the cooler!!

 

[mbell]

I have had the TCI Breakaway and an Edge converter on the same car with the same engine. Absolutely no comparison! Get a custom converter. They do cost more but are well worth it.
With any aftermarket converter definitely get a trans. cooler. They do make more heat. Heat is what kills most transmissions. It is cheap insurance.

I'm not clear on which one is better - i believe you are refering to the Edge but im not sure.

 

[67Dylan]

You're gonna get a lot of different answers on which TC to purchase, but all the ones mentioned are more than capable. The best advice, IMO, is to get one made for your current combo and to purchase a cooler. I'd also recommend a gauge cause it's nice to know what the tranny temp is, but that is just me.

 

[Vinyl66]

Sorry. The EDGE is waaaaay better than the TCI Breakaway. The TCI is an off the shelf converter. It's price and performance is just that too. "Off the shelf."
Call Edge and give them all the specs (type of car, weight,engine size, cam, intake, carb, exhaust, gearing etc.) and they will recommend a 9.5" converter with a specific stall that will flat out work. It will be closer to $500 rather than $250 but with the combo you have listed I wouldn't sell that car short. It should fly with a good converter. If you can get traction that is.

 

[302 coupe]

I agree with the others that you don't want a off the shelf converter. I run a 10" ATI rated at 3500 stall and really like it. PTC and Edge are both great as well. The converter can make or break an automatic car, a good one really makes alot of difference. Its a good place to spend some money and get something made specially for your combination.

 

[mbell]

I agree with the others that you don't want a off the shelf converter. I run a 10" ATI rated at 3500 stall and really like it. PTC and Edge are both great as well. The converter can make or break an automatic car, a good one really makes alot of difference. Its a good place to spend some money and get something made specially for your combination.

Thanks again for the response. I contacted edge yesterday and they are closed until 28th. Wish I could shut down the whole business - anyway - I cantacted ATI and gave my specs - previously listed in this tread. ATI proposes a 10" Street master tightened up a bit. Normal ATI 10" #649330 has 3000 stall. The 10" ATI they will build for me is approx 2600 stall. My car is 2800 to 3000 rpm while driving in highway and a stall at or above that would give me heat problems on long drives. I believe I have made my decision -ATI 10" 2600 stall.

Thanks for your help,
Mark

 

[302 coupe]

mine is the streetmaster too, but stalls at 3500. My car has 3.70 gears and cruises at about 3000 rpm, I have no heat issues, but I run a nice sized cooler too. Most trips are 15 miles or less, too much gear and rpm for long trips, IMO. Converter is just tight enough for street driving, but at the same time loose enough to let you get a holeshot on the competition.

 

[67Dylan]

congrats, sounds like you picked a good TC. I had much fun w/the auto in my last car Launches greatly improved when I added a trans brake: nothing like coming off one of those while giving it some squeeze Let us know how you like it.

 

[57fairlane]

Glad to hear you went with a custom. I had a TCI breakaway and it was night and day difference going to a 3400 custom edge converter.