Torque Converter
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 10
From: New Paltz, New York USA
Torque Converter
I have the torque converter out of my 1981 and was wondering how to make sure it's OK before I put it back in the car. I have the motor out and am going to replace motor with new crate motor.
The converter has been lying on the shed floor for a little over 2 years now. It's a lock up converter and I want to make sure its good before I put ti back together. Thanks.
The converter has been lying on the shed floor for a little over 2 years now. It's a lock up converter and I want to make sure its good before I put ti back together. Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
How many miles on the trans and converter? What size crate motor? What are the cam specs? If you're going a lot better than the stock motor and adding a cam that designed to develope horsepower at higher RPM's, then you might want to get a new converter with a higher stall that will compliment your new motor and cam.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
How many miles on the trans and converter? Your current lock up converter probably has only an 1800 RPM stall. What size crate motor? What are the new cam specs? If you're going a lot better than the stock motor and adding a cam that designed to develope horsepower at higher RPM's, then you should cosider getting a new converter with a higher stall that will compliment your new motor and cam. Nows the time t do it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
From your original question, has the convertor had ANY chance it may have gotten water in it? If it's been setting there uncovered, I'd bet that it's got some dirt in it. Water will make the clutch in there de-laminate, and dirt is, well dirt. It'll get pumped right back into the tranny. Bad idea.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
There is no way to know what condition your torque converter is in without a functional test and checking the oil circulating through it (during operation) for metallic debris. Personally, I wouldn't reinstall a 30 year old converter for any reason. Buy a new one or trade yours in on a good brand as an exchange unit.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Union NJ
That stock converter is going to definitely hold you back in the performance dept. with its low stall speed and crappy STR. I would get a nice Pro Torque converter with a stall speed matched to your engine combo.
