Torque Converter Power
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Torque Converter Power
Guys, I need some feedback regarding torque converters:
I have a 68 Vette (327, TH400 transmission w/ stock cam and heads) and was looking to improve acceleration and mid-throttle response.
According to Chevy's data, my car currently has 2,100 stall. On its own, will changing the stock converter improve anything at all (e.g. aftermarket versus stock)? OR do I need to wait until I upgrade the cam?
FYI - I have been looking at Comp Cams' XR270 (retro-fit hydraulic roller) http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/c...?csid=158&sb=2 and Crane Cams' Hydraulic Roller http://www.cranecams.com/product/car...detail&p=24189
Both of the above mentioned camshafts' operating ranges being at 1,600 rpms, so a 2,100 stall would seem to be okay, based on what I have read...
Any insight is appreciated. Thanks fellas!
I have a 68 Vette (327, TH400 transmission w/ stock cam and heads) and was looking to improve acceleration and mid-throttle response.
According to Chevy's data, my car currently has 2,100 stall. On its own, will changing the stock converter improve anything at all (e.g. aftermarket versus stock)? OR do I need to wait until I upgrade the cam?
FYI - I have been looking at Comp Cams' XR270 (retro-fit hydraulic roller) http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/c...?csid=158&sb=2 and Crane Cams' Hydraulic Roller http://www.cranecams.com/product/car...detail&p=24189
Both of the above mentioned camshafts' operating ranges being at 1,600 rpms, so a 2,100 stall would seem to be okay, based on what I have read...
Any insight is appreciated. Thanks fellas!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you increase the horsepower of your engine, that will [effectively] increase the stall speed of your present converter. That stock torque converter is a real 'workhorse' and is nearly bullet-proof. But, it is larger and heavier than modern power-addicts would like. Also, that converter is 40-some years old, and thrust washers/bushings are certainly worn to some extent.
If yours is not the 'original' converter, you might want to keep it; but, if it is original, it's probably time to retire it and replace it with a well-built, smaller/lighter converter that will give you the stall speed you want for the HP your upgraded engine will produce.
Decide on a converter brand; then call their tech assistance folks and let them walk you through the decisions/info required to make a GOOD choice for its replacement.
If yours is not the 'original' converter, you might want to keep it; but, if it is original, it's probably time to retire it and replace it with a well-built, smaller/lighter converter that will give you the stall speed you want for the HP your upgraded engine will produce.
Decide on a converter brand; then call their tech assistance folks and let them walk you through the decisions/info required to make a GOOD choice for its replacement.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 451
From: Central NJ
Its not only the stall of the converter that affects throttle response and acceleration but also the diameter of the converter.
If your motor is maxing out at 5400 then you certainly have some room as far as increasing your stall speed and depending on how far you want to go, getting a smaller diameter converter would certainly help as well.
If your motor is maxing out at 5400 then you certainly have some room as far as increasing your stall speed and depending on how far you want to go, getting a smaller diameter converter would certainly help as well.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
It will wake up the car off the line and its great for burnouts because it lets to motor rev higher and gets it closer to peak torque rpm.
If you go too high of stall, it will feel like you put the car in neutral every time you let off the gas on the highway.....
If you go too high of stall, it will feel like you put the car in neutral every time you let off the gas on the highway.....
