I hate to keep asking so many "dumb" questions but you guys seem
to enjoy answering them. What is a stall converter and what does it do????

 

my understanding is that the stall speed of a converter is the RPM point at which the converter begins spinning at the same speed as the engine. A higher stall speed would be needed for a car with big gears/big camshaft in order to let the engine rev up to its peak powerband before it begins breaking the tires loose. I know that's not 100%, but I figured i'd respond anyhow-there are much more knowledgable people on the forum than I :seeya

 

A Torque converter reacts to engine torque. For a torque converter to perform at its best, you will need to build an engine to make as much low to mid-range torque as possible in the same rpm range that the torque converter is rated for.
Nothing about torque converters is more misunderstood than stall speed. Stall speed is directly related to the amount of torque your engine produces-the more torque, the higher stall speed. For example a converter with a stall speed of 2800-3200 rpm rating might provide approx 2800 rpm of stall speed behind a mild small block V8, but about 5000 rpm behind a big block making 800ftlbs of torque. Without knowing how much torque your engine makes, you cannot choose a stall converter accurately. I am running a 2400 on my small block

 

It acts like an automatic clutch. It allows a car with auto trans to be held at a stop while in gear without stalling. It provides slip to do this. When the you depress the gas pedal the rpm increases and the convertor delivers power to the trans thru friction created with fluid between the stators inside.

 

I have Jvette's Stall in my car :cheers:

 

I built a 388ci motor 700R4 and used a comp 268H cam knowing I would build a lot of torque, 400 ft lbs around 2,000 rpm's . I installed a 1800 stall in the beleif that it would stall at a higher stall anyway....More than enough to roast the tires and very little slippage to cause heat while cruising. My other mods are in my signature.
Neil in Tenn

 

Hey Al, is that thing still workin for you? Thats amazing if so, after I beat the holy bajezzus out of it. Just kidding though. The TCI breakaway works well with most moderate mods in the th350 and 400.

When learning about torque convertors, one usually hears the term "stall convertor" That refers to a convertor that has more slip. One that waits till a higher rpm untill it delivers power to the gears in the trans. They are needed with auto trans equipped cars that use high performance camshafts. Since a Hi Po cam wont begin to deliver power untill a higher rpm, A higher "stall speed" convertor is used to delay the delivery. IE, A stock cam will be in the powerband at 1500rpm so a stock convertor with 1600rpm stall is fine. But when Hi Po cam is installed, it may not be in the powerband untill 2500rpm, so therefore a higher stall (stall convertor) is used to delay the delivery of power. This prevents the early lag time that is associated with performance cams in auto trans equipped cars.

 

No such thing as dumb questions...there are dumb answers....however you havent heard any dumb answers in this thread.

I believe the correct term for this componant is "Torque converter"...the phrase "Stall converter" is not accurate. I have seen it several times on the forum but it is still not the correct nomenclature. Jvette points out that 'stall converter' is used for converters destined for use in higher HP cars. I think if you look in every parts catalog you will find them still referred to as 'torque converters', they have a higher stall rating for certain, but no where does the industry or the hobby (that I've ever heard until recently) refer to them as 'stall converters' - ALL torque converters are 'stall converters' its just a question of what that stall rating is.


Alwyn's description is very good about the function of the Torque converter and the mysterious 'stall' rating.





[Modified by fauxrs, 3:17 PM 4/15/2003]

 

Alwyn678 - did you have to get a new flex plate when you installed yours or did you use the existing one?

 

I used the original flex plate.............No problems whatsoever.............

Jvette.yes the stall is doing great and if you think you beat on it.............Well let's just say I give it NO SLACK :reddevil :reddevil :reddevil

 

I need to get a higher stall speed myself. I did some engine mods as can be seen in my sig. Once I get my RPM up a little she screams but at a dead stop she falls on her face until I get the Rpm up any suggestions as to what stall I would need.

 

Analogy: A Torque Convertor is to an Automatic Transmission What A Clutch is to a Manual Transmission.

 

Bullyj, I recomend this TCI convertor for your setup. Part # 240900
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...39&prmenbr=361

 

:withstupid:

I got mine from him!!! :lol:

 

What would you recommend for me?
Alwny68 - do you know what your e.t. is?

 

I agree with you. Even stock converters have a stall rating. Years back the correct term was high-stall converter for anything higher than stock. Somewhere down the line it got shortened to the slang "stall converter" and it stuck.

1976 406 TH400 3000stall switch pitch 4.11 nitous

 

Everything you ever wanted to know about torque converters!!!!!
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/torque-converter.htm

 

My '76 started out very similar to your setup including the 268. I had a leftover A-1 10" 3000stall that I decided to use with it. Personally I always felt it was better to have a little too high a stall than not enough. An 11" 2000 stall wasn't quite enough to jump into my powerband and the engine would struggle for a secod to get past that point. Advancing the cam a couple of degrees would take care of it with the sacrifice of higher rpm power. The 3000 stall made this thing a screamer out of the hole and I actually was able to run a 2 degree retard on the cam for the most performance. After a couple of years the additional slippage on the street became too annoying so I switched to a TH400 and KenneBell switch pitch converter that would stall at 3000 in one position and down to 1800 at the flip of a switch. Next best thing to a lockup converter and made street driving enjoyable again. This converter wasn't available for the TH350.
One last note: stall speed is holdin the car still with the brakes while easing the throttle down to WOT. Hardly advisable considering the stress created to the drivetrain. Flashing the converter is hitting the gas to the floor immediately under the same conditions. Converter flash speed will alway be high than stall.

1976 406, TH400, 3000stall switchpitch, 4.11, nitrous

 

Usually you can just call the manufacturer and they will ask you some questions about your engine and tell you the best converter for that application.

 

the phrase "Stall converter" is not accurate. I have seen it several times on the forum but it is still not the correct nomenclature. Jvette points out that 'stall converter' is used for converters destined for use in higher HP cars. I think if you look in every parts catalog you will find them still referred to as 'torque converters', they have a higher stall rating for certain, but no where does the industry or the hobby (that I've ever heard until recently) refer to them as 'stall converters' - ALL torque converters are 'stall converters' its just a question of what that stall rating is.

The stall is that engine speed where the convertor locks. Period. When you brake-torque an automatic-equipped car, the engine will stop revving at a certain point. That is the convertor's stall speed. Period. No other smoke and mirrors.