stock torque converter
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: winterville NC
stock torque converter
Ok guys I have been told that if I want to wake my 79 up a little I should look into possibly changing the converter. i know there are several different views on here about performance gains and I know that this question is kinda vague but what would be a good choice in what stall converter to buy. The PO put a crate 350 GM motor in it with about 5000 miles so the motor is nothing fancy. I would like to know what size converter came from the factory....it is a TH350 trans 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Probably 1800 rpm. Corvette might have a higher speed converter, but still no more than 2000. When I was a kid, the hot setup was to go to the junk yard and get a TC out of a six cylinder car, they had smaller converters because of the smaller engines.
Scott
Scott
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
If your cars basically stock for the street, think I'd leave the converter alone. There's really no spec on stall speed/torque ratings of aftermarket converters, and could end up with a real slushy, un-responsive feeling unit at lower rpm's. Went through this more than once, and doubt you're wanting to go much higher than stock in your case. Keep in mind, higher stall, means more slippage/worse fuel milage on the highway, and you'll be wanting to add a tranny cooler. A lock up converter will solve this part of the equation though. Not meaning to be a wet blanket here, but just pointing out a few things.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
GM does have or had a special converter used with the L-88 engined factory Vettes with the turbo transmission and would probably a nice choice ...Check a dealership or the GM performance catalogue
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Dartmouth MA
I have a 74 with low-mile 350 that has a TH400 behind it. It was the original tranny, so when it crapped out a year later I had it rebuilt to what we use to call "3/4 race". It has all the goodies and yanks the car around really well. When I put this thing into drive it locks up like you would not believe. Anyway, I use a 2400 stall speed converter. I was told a long time ago that when rebuilding a high performance tranny, you match the stall speed converter to your cam profile. That's what I've always done and I've always been happy with the results.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 183
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auctually a l88 converter would fit but wouldnt be the best choice a th 400 converter will work but heavier great for trucks and vans though
if u go more than 2200 you would get into heating and sliping problems summit has the best deals on there brand 1800-2 converters while look at the hub on your origional converter if its worn u need to replace the pump bushing if its ok put a new seal and remove the pump bolts and put rtv sealent around them and tighten them to 18ft pounds if your not familar with transmission use a b&m shift kit there simple and cheap
if u go more than 2200 you would get into heating and sliping problems summit has the best deals on there brand 1800-2 converters while look at the hub on your origional converter if its worn u need to replace the pump bushing if its ok put a new seal and remove the pump bolts and put rtv sealent around them and tighten them to 18ft pounds if your not familar with transmission use a b&m shift kit there simple and cheap
