Torque converter help
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Redding ca
Torque converter help
78 L82, eliminator intake, 650 Holley, 268 cam. I'm not happy with the low RPM power, but I was told putting a 2100 Torque converter would make me unhappy as a street driver. They said I would always have to rev up just to get going and it would get old fast. Any input?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Re: Torque converter help (78MoneyPit)
What transmission and gears are you running? What type of driving do you do? What price range did you have in mind?
Torque converters can be a DEEP subject and I don't know squat about them in the big scheme of things. However, the torque converter that my trans builder made for me is supposed to provide a stall speed of ~2400 stall with my combination. This is the first time I have owned a car with a modified torque converter so I cannot compare it to anything but stock.
During normal driving, when accelerating from a stop I can't tell much difference but when you nail it from a stop, it will flash to the higher rpm range and BAM. . . your off and runnin' or roastin the tires as the case may be. This happens so quickly, you hardley even realize it.
There are a lot of variables to selecting the right converter for your car and opinions will vary. I think that you are in no danger of overdoing it with the 2100 converter that you are considering.
Search the forum's recent topics and archive topics for relevant information. You should find a LOT to read. Just search for the word "converter". http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerosearch
Torque converters can be a DEEP subject and I don't know squat about them in the big scheme of things. However, the torque converter that my trans builder made for me is supposed to provide a stall speed of ~2400 stall with my combination. This is the first time I have owned a car with a modified torque converter so I cannot compare it to anything but stock.
During normal driving, when accelerating from a stop I can't tell much difference but when you nail it from a stop, it will flash to the higher rpm range and BAM. . . your off and runnin' or roastin the tires as the case may be. This happens so quickly, you hardley even realize it.
There are a lot of variables to selecting the right converter for your car and opinions will vary. I think that you are in no danger of overdoing it with the 2100 converter that you are considering.
Search the forum's recent topics and archive topics for relevant information. You should find a LOT to read. Just search for the word "converter". http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerosearch
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Redding ca
Re: Torque converter help (78MoneyPit)
That's my basic question. First I was told to get a stall converter to get up to the power curve, then a guy at the shop where I was going to have it built told me I would have to get to that RPM just to drive. If I can usually drive normally I would like to do it, cause getting out of the hole is embarrassing. My secondaries won't open until 4200 RPM or so. No vaccuum with the 268 cam. Any other ideas?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Re: Torque converter help (78MoneyPit)
My secondaries won't open until 4200 RPM or so. No vaccuum with the 268 cam. Any other ideas?
Unless there are other problems, your "268" cam should allow >14+ inches of vacuum. Can you provide more details about your car?
. . .then a guy at the shop where I was going to have it built told me I would have to get to that RPM just to drive. If I can usually drive normally I would like to do it, cause getting out of the hole is embarrassing. . .
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Redding ca
Re: Torque converter help (MIKER)
What would you suggest? Drive it normal most of the time, but when I want to go, I want to GOOOOO! Stock rear end and trans, mild shift kit. Low vaccuum causes secondaries to open at high RPM. 650 Holley. Low vaccuum also causes lights to rise slowly and soft brakes. 268 cam
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Re: Torque converter help (78MoneyPit)
You need to investigate the reason why your vacuum is so low.
I doubt that this low vac condition is cause by a cam with an advertised duration of "268".
I doubt that this low vac condition is cause by a cam with an advertised duration of "268".
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Re: Torque converter help (78MoneyPit)
More info. is needed. CS268H or XE268? Rebuilt or just added cam? For ex., have seen a 268H installed & accel. slowly till about 3000 & took off. 2100 is a mild converter, would not be a problem. You should determine current stall. Sec. should open sooner.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 99
From: Orrtanna Pa.
Re: Torque converter help (78MoneyPit)
I ran the 268H in my 355 for 6 years and had no problem hitting 5500-6000 rpms. The problem may be restriction in the exhaust. A freind of mine built what should have been a decent 350 for his MonteCarlo and it had a two barrel carb and single exhaust. To be blunt,it sucked out of the hole,and had no top end either.
I ran a B&M Holeshot 2000 with 3.70 gears then , and had no trouble launching. My theory is if you can spin your tires on the launch,they are not big enough. Most of your ET losses come from the first 60ft,so if you spin,you're wasting time. If you engine can't pull hard enough to spin them,it's time to replace it with one that can.You see the circle effect here?
As far as torque convertors go,the 268H isn't much bigger than a stock cam,so a high stall isn't needed.
[Modified by The Money Pit, 9:43 PM 7/10/2002]
I ran a B&M Holeshot 2000 with 3.70 gears then , and had no trouble launching. My theory is if you can spin your tires on the launch,they are not big enough. Most of your ET losses come from the first 60ft,so if you spin,you're wasting time. If you engine can't pull hard enough to spin them,it's time to replace it with one that can.You see the circle effect here?
As far as torque convertors go,the 268H isn't much bigger than a stock cam,so a high stall isn't needed.
[Modified by The Money Pit, 9:43 PM 7/10/2002]
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Prineville Oregon
Re: Torque converter help (78MoneyPit)
Go with a 2100 or 2400 stall...you won't be dissapointed. I ran a 3000 stall for awhile (TCI) and it wasn't too unpleasent for everday driving...I switched to a 4000 stall and would NOT consider the car an everday driver anymore (short trips only).
Get the secondary spring kit from Holley and swap your secondary spring with the "purple" spring...should get you in the ball-park. Deen
Get the secondary spring kit from Holley and swap your secondary spring with the "purple" spring...should get you in the ball-park. Deen
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Torque converter help (DeenHylton)
I have a TCI 2400 stall and it is perfect for my application...Really works well with the 3:73's that I installed......Helps put the power down :smash:
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Redding ca
Re: Torque converter help (Alwyn678)
You say for your application, what is it. Mine is a daily driver. I'm getting mixed messages. I want to be able to drive normally most of the time, but I want the power when needed. (Is that a cake and eat it too problem?)
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Torque converter help (78MoneyPit)
You say for your application, what is it. Mine is a daily driver. I'm getting mixed messages. I want to be able to drive normally most of the time, but I want the power when needed. (Is that a cake and eat it too problem?)
I would think it would be fine as a daily driver....I just do not drive mine daily....
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 1
Re: Torque converter help (Alwyn678)
How much of a pain is it to install the Torque Converter. Even with my current setup (stock carb, edelbrock egr intake, trick flow alum heads, hedman headers, true dual 2.5" exhausts, TH350, 3.55s) I cannot chirp the tires at all. Granted my tires are a little sticky (255-50-17 Z-rated) but I would expect to at least be able to roast them off the line just a little. :)
So now my quest has left me at the tranny. I plan on putting a shift-kit in next. Could my torque converter be bad? I am thinking of moving up to a 2400 stall tq converter as well.
How tough of an install job is it? Do I need to remove tranny or anything that involved?
thanks!
-terry
So now my quest has left me at the tranny. I plan on putting a shift-kit in next. Could my torque converter be bad? I am thinking of moving up to a 2400 stall tq converter as well.
How tough of an install job is it? Do I need to remove tranny or anything that involved?
thanks!
-terry
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Torque converter help (terryrudy)
How much of a pain is it to install the Torque Converter. Even with my current setup (stock carb, edelbrock egr intake, trick flow alum heads, hedman headers, true dual 2.5" exhausts, TH350, 3.55s) I cannot chirp the tires at all. Granted my tires are a little sticky (255-50-17 Z-rated) but I would expect to at least be able to roast them off the line just a little. :)
So now my quest has left me at the tranny. I plan on putting a shift-kit in next. Could my torque converter be bad? I am thinking of moving up to a 2400 stall tq converter as well.
How tough of an install job is it? Do I need to remove tranny or anything that involved?
thanks!
-terry
So now my quest has left me at the tranny. I plan on putting a shift-kit in next. Could my torque converter be bad? I am thinking of moving up to a 2400 stall tq converter as well.
How tough of an install job is it? Do I need to remove tranny or anything that involved?
thanks!
-terry
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,809
Likes: 0
Re: Torque converter help (78MoneyPit)
You are going to get a lot of mixed reviews on convertors and cams, but that what great about this forum, many guys here with lots of expereince.
I am going to answer your question, but keep in mine this also is just an opinion too.
You don't need to go to a bigger stall but I think you should. I like you am not happy with my low torque and went with a 1800 -2200 stall, am I happy no! I wish and am some day going to a bigger one. Although my cam is 222@50 and 470 lift
If you go with the one similar to mine you won't notice hardly any differnce in daily driving.
Before you make a move keep asking question until your satified, try to narrow them down and you should be able to find your answers your looking for.
I am going to answer your question, but keep in mine this also is just an opinion too.
You don't need to go to a bigger stall but I think you should. I like you am not happy with my low torque and went with a 1800 -2200 stall, am I happy no! I wish and am some day going to a bigger one. Although my cam is 222@50 and 470 lift
If you go with the one similar to mine you won't notice hardly any differnce in daily driving.
Before you make a move keep asking question until your satified, try to narrow them down and you should be able to find your answers your looking for.
