Torque Convertor Issue/Question

[camaro1969]

I have a rebuilt 350 engine, all new parts, probably will be pushing around 325hp. I put my stock convertor in that comes with the th350, was told a stock convertor is around 900-1200 stall.. so what im scared is, will this convertor be good for me, or should i be buying a torque convertor with a higher stall? 3000-3500?

what im scared is something will break down when i hit the pedal...

what should i do? or should i not be worried?

[GregWeld]

Vic --

Good question -- which needs to have more information before anyone could respond properly.

Cam - Rear gearing - tire size all play an important role in converter stall speed. So can you provide this info?

On the surface - and 325 hp 350 isn't very radical - in fact is almost dead stock... so unless there is more to the story - the stock converter would be fine... but let's see what else you've done - or are planning on doing before you commit.

[Autokraft]

Originally Posted by camaro1969

I have a rebuilt 350 engine, all new parts, probably will be pushing around 325hp. I put my stock convertor in that comes with the th350, was told a stock convertor is around 900-1200 stall.. so what im scared is, will this convertor be good for me, or should i be buying a torque convertor with a higher stall? 3000-3500?

what im scared is something will break down when i hit the pedal...

what should i do? or should i not be worried?

If you are looking to step it up performance wise, I have a 3-3500 stall for sale. A stock converter will feel like a dog but if you are going for all stock setup you will be ok.
I have a Trans Specialties converter I had built for my wifes car with very low miles. It was in a 68 camaro, 350 cu in, turbo 350 with about 400hp. The converter made drivability much better since it had a larger cam. No more feathering the gas with the brake on at a stoplight. It also allows you to get in your usable power range much quicker and is alot more fun to drive.

I replaced the turbo 350 with a 5-speed this summer so I just have it layin around. Check out the for sale section.

Also, more info about your combo would be useful.

Kurt

[camaro1969]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Vic --

Good question -- which needs to have more information before anyone could respond properly.

Cam - Rear gearing - tire size all play an important role in converter stall speed. So can you provide this info?

On the surface - and 325 hp 350 isn't very radical - in fact is almost dead stock... so unless there is more to the story - the stock converter would be fine... but let's see what else you've done - or are planning on doing before you commit.

242 compcam, 12 bolt rear 3.07 gears, 15 inch bfgoodrich t/a radials...

every engine spec.

1479H keith black pistons .30
139 piston rings
CLE-CB663P rod bearings
CLE-MS909P main bearings
CCA-817-16 compcam lifters
SLP-260-1000 gasket kit
CCA-981-16 compcam valve springs
CCA-1412-16 compcam roller rocker
ARP-134-6003 arp connecting rod bolt

let me know what else you need to know

[Autokraft]

What about Intake, Cylinder heads, carb, headers?

[camaro1969]

Originally Posted by Autokraft

What about Intake, Cylinder heads, carb, headers?

edelbrock intake, steel factory gm heads, 670 CFM holley carb, 2451 non ceramic hooker headers

[Autokraft]

Vic, you can try your stock converter and see how you like it but my guess would be sooner or later you are going to want to step it up performance wise. A little more stall can turn it into a tire fryer

[camaro1969]

Originally Posted by Autokraft

Vic, you can try your stock converter and see how you like it but my guess would be sooner or later you are going to want to step it up performance wise. A little more stall can turn it into a tire fryer

will i at least be able to lay a nice piece rubber?

[GregWeld]

Vic --

The more torque you make the higher the stall speed of any converter... the RPM "reference" is just that... it's a value used to rate one stall speed against another. What the higher stall converter will do is to allow the engine to 'rev' freer / higher - before the converter starts to make the power transfer... doing this also creates higher heat in the fluid (transmission)... and it causes "slip" at cruising speeds... That's why modern overdrives use a "LOCK UP" converter. They have a clutch like system which 'locks up' and makes the automatic transmission more like a stick - direct drive so to speak. But you're running a TH350 so that doesn't count.

Higher stall speeds - lets say a 2500 stall rated converter would allow a motor to idle easier (it's not fighting the torque converter) so is handy if you're motor is struggling to idle... it would "feel" a little sportier as you'd have to give it a bit more throttle to get things moving...

Your motor is not that 'radical' - so I wouldn't go beyond a 2400 stall - and I'd probably be more inclined to go with a 2200 stall.

Perhaps others will chime in here and have additional information for you.

[camaro1969]

so until i decide to change the stall, im good with the stock for now?