Questions about torque converters

[RYC CUKR]

Ok,

I have searched and found a bunch of stuff on TCs but mostly is was recommendations so I figured I would ask a couple of questions. At some point in the not to distant future I am going to upgrade the aod in my 93. I am planning on putting in a shift kit and also changing out the converter.

Torque converters are something that I don't really understand the operation of and it seems that it is pretty hard to get reliable info on them. Terms like stall speed, flash, brake stall, true stall and the like get thrown around but are never explained.

So my questions deal mostly with terms like those above and the basic operation of a converter.

Here is the final combo it is going to be in

1993 GT auto convertible
4.10 gears
transgo shift kit
GT 40 intake
AFR 185 heads
Eventually 347 stroker
Full exhaust

Any input on types of converters and brands to look for and to look out for would be greatly appreciated.

 

[willys1]

Precision Ind. Torque con. is top of the line period!! If moneys an issue,get an edge con..I just got a trans go kit and have one problem with it,I'll tell you in a minute!

 

[willys1]

OK,,I had a problem with the kit shifting into OD when I got to 95mph in 3rd gear.(I have 373's) and the shifter was in the "D" position! I called the tech line and the guy told me it will do that because of my gears.The kit was designed for 3.55's or lower! To correct the problem I have to take out the springs and gov. for the 3-4 shift,and put back the original ones,then I can hold 3rd gear!! They dont tell you this on the box,or in the directions The kit is suppose to lenghen the life of the tranny,but they should tell you this!!

 

[davs5.0]

Well lets see what we can answer here.

Brake stall is the rpms that the converter starts moving the car when the brakes can't hold it anymore

Flash stall is the rpms that the converter go to before moving the car when you stand on the gas from idle or just off idle.

The stall is determined by a few different factors. Hp and torque of your engine, manufacturer of the converter (some are more accurate then others) weight of the car, power adders.

To get the best info, call the manufacturers that you are considering and tell them your combo and future plans for the car. You may want to go with a slightly higher stall considering your plans to build a 347.

 

[myroc]

Call Darrel at TCS in Langley B.C (604)533-8675 or toll free at 1-800-960-1177, tell him your mods and he'll tell you what Torque Conv will suit your needs. I'll be running a 9.5 non lock 3000 stall and my HP rating is 375 hp
and 475hp on the bottle.

 

[Highbredcloud]

Simplified version of what you're asking:

Let say you are looking at a 3500RPM stall...it may seem like a lot since ALL the stall converter companies I know test the stalls on big blocks...so on a small block the true stall would be between 500-800RPM less...so a 3500RPM stall is really 2800-3000RPM stall...you can never get it precise without paying $$$ for a quality stall...Hughes and EDGE make some cheaper stalls that are good...DO NOT GO WITH B&M or TCI...Lastly to determine which stall is right for you this is what you need to know...Where does the cam start to make HP...most cams make power at 2500RPM so you need at least 3000RPM stall...HOnestly it is better to have bigger stall than where the cam makes power so you can get to the power band quicker...Gears is another thing that determines the size of the stall...