Quick question on my 80 build project.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Mount Sinai New York
Quick question on my 80 build project.
The new small block going into the car is going to be just north of 500hp.
In regard to the stall converter (TH350) I hear contrasting opinions from different people. Since I lie awake at night thinking of new and creative ways to explain to my wife why I HAVE to build this car I was wondering,doesn't the rear axle ratio factor in which converter I should use? I know a buddy of mine with a similar drivetrain in a early Chevelle uses a 2500 stall with 4/11 gears. I have a non L-82 automatic C3. Were there different ratios? Thank's...Vince
In regard to the stall converter (TH350) I hear contrasting opinions from different people. Since I lie awake at night thinking of new and creative ways to explain to my wife why I HAVE to build this car I was wondering,doesn't the rear axle ratio factor in which converter I should use? I know a buddy of mine with a similar drivetrain in a early Chevelle uses a 2500 stall with 4/11 gears. I have a non L-82 automatic C3. Were there different ratios? Thank's...Vince
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
Gear ratio is one of many things that you will need to consider when you choose the converter.
The higher your rear gear is (lower numerically) the looser your converter will act around town.
You can still run a fairly high stall converter even with a highway gear, as long as you are prepared for the way its going to behave. It will slip quite a bit at low speeds, and also generate more heat than a tighter converter.
Your car has a 3.07 gear if its original.
The higher your rear gear is (lower numerically) the looser your converter will act around town.
You can still run a fairly high stall converter even with a highway gear, as long as you are prepared for the way its going to behave. It will slip quite a bit at low speeds, and also generate more heat than a tighter converter.
Your car has a 3.07 gear if its original.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Az
As Driveshaft said gear ratio is just 1 of many things you have to factor in, vehicle weight,tire diameter,gear ratio,trans, cam duration, etc,etc, picking the right converter will effect drivabilty quite a bit , since you seem to know the hp of the engine Im guessing its been on the dyno that will give you the actual rpm range of the engine ( which will help you pick out the correct rear gear also) after you have all the info call some converter manufactures and see what they say. Being a street car they will probably set you up a little tight ( lower stall speed) than what is optimal ( track use) but it will be a lot closer than just picking one out of a catalog. I would get one built custom for your application even though the cost will be more.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,666
Likes: 1
From: Where it's always hot as Hell-South Louisiana.
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
The new small block going into the car is going to be just north of 500hp.
In regard to the stall converter (TH350) I hear contrasting opinions from different people. Since I lie awake at night thinking of new and creative ways to explain to my wife why I HAVE to build this car I was wondering,doesn't the rear axle ratio factor in which converter I should use? I know a buddy of mine with a similar drivetrain in a early Chevelle uses a 2500 stall with 4/11 gears. I have a non L-82 automatic C3. Were there different ratios? Thank's...Vince
In regard to the stall converter (TH350) I hear contrasting opinions from different people. Since I lie awake at night thinking of new and creative ways to explain to my wife why I HAVE to build this car I was wondering,doesn't the rear axle ratio factor in which converter I should use? I know a buddy of mine with a similar drivetrain in a early Chevelle uses a 2500 stall with 4/11 gears. I have a non L-82 automatic C3. Were there different ratios? Thank's...Vince
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,720
Likes: 554
From: Seattle Washington
You may also consider a 4 speed Auto Trans. A lower 1st Gear will do some of the same things as a Higher Stall Converter and You also get a Overdrive for the Hwy. This is one of the first things I did to my 80 back in the 80's and it made a big diffence.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Mount Sinai New York
Thank's again guys, I've never been on a forum that's been this accurate, you guys are on the ball!
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