Jvette73, Gordonm (I call him the "guru") has been helping me with my engine rebuild and we wen't with the XE262 cam because of the good numbers the cam puts out. I'm interested in putting a converter in but am confused about which one to install and the brand to use. B&M and TCI make 11" and 12" converters but the price varies alot and I'm wondering is it the internal parts that make the price jump or some other things that I'm not aware of... :confused: I sent you an email with the engine mods wer'e installing and am looking forward to any info you can help us with on which converter would be the best choice by your experience... :thumbs:


[Modified by 73jst4fun, 11:12 AM 1/29/2004]

 

I am running a 244@50 cam using the TCI street fighter. It stalls at about 2800rpm. I spent a lot of time with Comp Cams when making my selection. They said the XE series is for 8:1 and down motors. You may want to give them a call with your specs. I also spoke with TCI for the converter selection. The Street Fighter was the best all around for my setup.
Good luck!

 

I dropped this stall convertor in my car a few months ago and like it. The best advise I can give you for dropping the tranny would be to buy a tranny hoist from harbor frieght for $60.00, it's designed to drop a tranny while it's on jackstands.

If a stores not close to you they have a web site.

 

73jst4fun, as you already know I responded to your email. One thing I forgot to mention is an aux trans cooler to go along with the convertor install. Because the looser convertors generate more heat, its highly recomended an aux cooler is installed to offset. Good luck with it all, be safe and have fun.

:cheers: :smash: :D

 

Thanks again Jvette73, I'm already using a Derale trans pan with the cooling tubes that holds about one extra quart. Just wondering how much fluid the TCI Breakaway converter holds when you reinstall and fill? Thanks again for your imput and will keep you posted on the progress :thumbs:


[Modified by 73jst4fun, 11:18 AM 1/30/2004]

 

On the fluid capacity this is how I handled it. First of all removing the tranny can be messy with all the fluid spillage since you'll be removing the dipstick tube and driveshaft and what not. So I drained the pan prior to removal. Considering that and the fact that the new convertor will be shipped dry, you might as well buy a case of fluid as the 400 can hold up to 12qts complete with convertor included. The 11" convertor is a bit smaller and will hold less fluid than the stock 12" one but that will be offset by you higher capacity pan. Pour a qt into the new convertor before you put it in. It will take some time as it will have to bleed in slowly. Since you'll be emptying most of the existing fluid this is a great time to upgrade to synth tranny fluid. Mobil1 makes it and its good stuff and worth the extra $ in my opinion.

Couple other things to consider. First, does you kickdown currently work properly? If not now is a good time to diagnose that issue since one of the key components of that system, the detent solonoid, is located inside the pan. If your kickdown is working properly your trans will kickdown as such. From a 30mph cruise in 3rd gear, punch it, if it drops to 1st gear its working correctly. If it only drops to 2nd its not.

How about a shift improver kit while you have the pan off? They arent that expensive and are easy to install considering you'll already have the pan off. They make a noticable difference in a quicker more positive upshift. You'll have those rear tires barking like a dog.

 

I think a shift improver kit would be better also. Had one on a 69 Camaro and it made the shifts nice and hard. We have not removed the transmission due to the fact we have the engine out. The converter is just slipped off the input shaft right now. I can't say how the transmission shifted but I know it was shifting WAY to early. The car never got into the power band. It will need some tweaking once we get everything back together.