Help picking a torque converter
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...406-build.html
There are a hundred ways to build an engine but the basics are pretty standard. CI gives you torque, lower gearing and higher compression allows bigger cam. The bigger the cam the less streetability and higher in the powerband your power. Head flow = power potetial. Everything is a compromise.
One thing not addressed is those 461 heads have no accessory holes for mounting your C3 accessories. By the time you figure out how to mount them and buy the pulleys and mounts to make it all work you could sell those rebuilt 461 heads and 292 cam and buy a set of decent aluminum heads and drop the compression and cam size so you can use a reasonable street convertor and your factory accessories, brackets and puillies.
There are a hundred ways to build an engine but the basics are pretty standard. CI gives you torque, lower gearing and higher compression allows bigger cam. The bigger the cam the less streetability and higher in the powerband your power. Head flow = power potetial. Everything is a compromise.
One thing not addressed is those 461 heads have no accessory holes for mounting your C3 accessories. By the time you figure out how to mount them and buy the pulleys and mounts to make it all work you could sell those rebuilt 461 heads and 292 cam and buy a set of decent aluminum heads and drop the compression and cam size so you can use a reasonable street convertor and your factory accessories, brackets and puillies.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Yes with a 406. The problem will be if your compression is too high to run the smaller cam with iron heads detonation will be an issue. The bigger CI and 3.70 gearing will tame the cam some. Go with a good 2400 stall and compromise since you already have it all done. If you want to upgrade after you save some money you can buy heads and cam lifter kit to compliment the 2400 stall.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio TX
Similar to the L-82 cam but without knowing all the specs, it's probably going to be fine at 2200 stall.
Why are you fixed on those heads? Do they have hardened seats for unleaded fuel? Is the builder the one pushing those heads? You are really making a lot of compromises and getting nothing in return.
Why are you fixed on those heads? Do they have hardened seats for unleaded fuel? Is the builder the one pushing those heads? You are really making a lot of compromises and getting nothing in return.
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Yes with a 406. The problem will be if your compression is too high to run the smaller cam with iron heads detonation will be an issue. The bigger CI and 3.70 gearing will tame the cam some. Go with a good 2400 stall and compromise since you already have it all done. If you want to upgrade after you save some money you can buy heads and cam lifter kit to compliment the 2400 stall.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I would call Art Carr and give them all your info and get a solid recommendation from them. They do custom convertors only and with your combo and use I would use their experience and spend a few bucks more. It will be worth it. Lean more toward streetability than drag racing results. You can do the same thing with B&M and compare the recommendations. I rebuilt my TH400 with the B&M Transkit and a recommended B&M convertor about 10 years ago and my stock L48 W/3.08 would roast the tires on launch and scratch 2nd gear for 2 ft.
One thing for sure with a car that sees 90% street use you will not be happy with an off the shelf 3500-3800 stall convertor no matter who makes it.
One thing for sure with a car that sees 90% street use you will not be happy with an off the shelf 3500-3800 stall convertor no matter who makes it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
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From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 691
Likes: 25
From: Boynton Beach Florida
I have a TCI Breakaway 10" converter and it stalls in the 2400-2600 range with very nice street manners. Drove the car round trip 75 miles to work and back today since the world is ending tomorrow. I've had the converter in the car for a little over two years and 3-4000 miles along with the TCI TH350 Street Fighter trans.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
