Torque Converter swap??
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Torque Converter swap??
Im planning on getting a more wild cam and was wondering can you swap the torque converter out yourself? I have th-350, and I got an INSANE quote from a tranny shop and dont want to pay some $500 to swap it out. Any help will be appreciated!!! :cheers:
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: sarasota fl
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (killervette666)
it can be done in the driveway but its a real pain.i just had this done last week.i went to two different trans shops one wanted $300 the other wanted $250.they said the exhaust needs to come down because its in the way.got my mechanic to do it for $200.what size stahl are you going to.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (jn79vette)
Im going for a 2,300-2,500 stall, its the B&M Tork master 2400, im planning on getting a Comp Cams magnum cam, 230 duration @ .050. OR a 244 duration @.050. Which one will be better for that stall converter? and which one will be better for stock heads, with some headers, a performer rpm manifold with a 650 speed demon carb? Thanks for any advice!!!
[Modified by killervette666, 1:42 PM 1/28/2004]
[Modified by killervette666, 1:42 PM 1/28/2004]
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,943
Likes: 44
From: Florham Park NJ Port Credit Ontario
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (jn79vette)
I've done it. It wasnt fun.
Get car as high off the ground as possible.
Unhooked shifter linkage, Speedo cable, trans cooling lines, Vacuum line.
Used motorcycle jack to support Tranny.
Removed Exhaust, Drive shaft and trans cross member.
Removed flex plate inspection cover.
Removed Dist cap- this allows you to tilt motor slightly.
Gently let down on Motorcycle jack so trans and engine tilts slightly. This allows you to reach the trans to block mounting bolts. 6 of them.
Un bolted old torque converter to flex plate bolts.
Support engine oil pan with another jack.
Undo trans to block bolts.
With everything unbolted, slowly lower motorcycle jack.
Trans should now be separated from block giving you room to remove the torque converter.
Fill new converter with fluid.
Put new conv. on tranny spline till it clunks into position.
Install trans reverse of removal.
drink beer.
Took me better part of a day to complete mine.
OOPS...just read youre only 14...forget about the beer. Have a coke!
[Modified by Stewart's74, 2:52 PM 1/28/2004]
Get car as high off the ground as possible.
Unhooked shifter linkage, Speedo cable, trans cooling lines, Vacuum line.
Used motorcycle jack to support Tranny.
Removed Exhaust, Drive shaft and trans cross member.
Removed flex plate inspection cover.
Removed Dist cap- this allows you to tilt motor slightly.
Gently let down on Motorcycle jack so trans and engine tilts slightly. This allows you to reach the trans to block mounting bolts. 6 of them.
Un bolted old torque converter to flex plate bolts.
Support engine oil pan with another jack.
Undo trans to block bolts.
With everything unbolted, slowly lower motorcycle jack.
Trans should now be separated from block giving you room to remove the torque converter.
Fill new converter with fluid.
Put new conv. on tranny spline till it clunks into position.
Install trans reverse of removal.
drink beer.
Took me better part of a day to complete mine.
OOPS...just read youre only 14...forget about the beer. Have a coke!
[Modified by Stewart's74, 2:52 PM 1/28/2004]
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (Stewart's74)
LMHO.......sounds like a major PITA, but we're running on a REALLY tight budget so that just might be what we end up doing..... :banghead:
Was it worth it performance wise?
Was it worth it performance wise?
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: sarasota fl
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (killervette666)
i'd go with the 244 duration cam and a set of 1.6 rocker arms.did you buy your converter yet?i just took that same converter out,it wasnt enough for my application.point being i'd sell it cheap if you need one.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (jn79vette)
Really? I was thinking that the 244 might be TOO much...... I defentily want the more extreme cam, just afraid it might be more than the engine can handle..... Would i have to rebuild the heads to put in the 1.6 rockers? and are you talking about roller rockers or just stamped ones?
About the converter.... Youve got mail :)
About the converter.... Youve got mail :)
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (killervette666)
If you are sticking in a 244 dur at .050 into a stock L48 yes it will be to much cam I have a 248 solid cam in mine and I think it is a little much. It runs great but I still think it is a little to much. A torque converter is not hard just takes some time. You have to get a few things out of the way. The converter itself just slips off teh shaft and the new one slips on so it takes about 2 minutes. All the other Bs in the way takes the time.
Just read you are using stock heads, the 244 is going to be way to big for an automatic wit hlow compression pistons. The 230 is pushing it. I'd stick with more around 220 to 225 for a good setup with an automatic.
[Modified by Gordonm, 5:38 PM 1/28/2004]
Just read you are using stock heads, the 244 is going to be way to big for an automatic wit hlow compression pistons. The 230 is pushing it. I'd stick with more around 220 to 225 for a good setup with an automatic.
[Modified by Gordonm, 5:38 PM 1/28/2004]
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (killervette666)
The small block you got will have less tq at lower rpms especially with a hotter cam. Because of less tq it will stall at a lower speed. I would go with a higher stall for that cam. Like 26-2800. I bet the B&M 2400 will have a stall speed of closer to 2000 behind that motor. Thats why I suggest the 2800. It will actually stall a bit lower behind a small block. The torkmaster is a low end convertor. I would suggest spending a little more for a better quality one so you dont wind up having to do the job twice. If you break the cheaper convertor it can fill your tranny fluid with metal filings and make matters worse. Shell some more dough for a better one.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (Jvette73)
What converter would you suggest? And what numbers could i expect with a converter, cam, and header swap?
Thanks for everyones advice, i appreciate it :)
Thanks for everyones advice, i appreciate it :)
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (killervette666)
I suggest CC XE262 or 268. The convertor choice will depend on what cam you choose. 2500 stall for the 262 and 2800 stall for the 268. Ive used both. I like the 262 better. The smaller 262 actually lowered my et with the same setup. It gave more back to the bottom end compared to the 268. The 268 had slightly better topend but not enough to make it worth the more radical attitude. The better bottom end of the 262 yielded better et and a more livable street manners. The 262 will idle comfortablly in gear. I have a 2200 stall and the 268 was not comfortable idleing in gear. You can always try the 262 with 1.5 rockers. Then if you want more just swap the 1.5's for 1.6. Just my 2 cents based on my expierence.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (Jvette73)
:iagree: I am helping to insatll a 262 in a stock motor for a friend here on the forum. He is going with AFR 180 heads also with headers and a torque converter. This cam seems to make the most usable power on the street. I have all top end power with my combo, I can't wait to see how this combo goes on the street. Don't go with a lot of duration with low compression. You will be disappointed.
[Modified by Gordonm, 6:33 PM 1/28/2004]
[Modified by Gordonm, 6:33 PM 1/28/2004]
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (Jvette73)
wow, intresting, now i knwo what im looking to shop for. Is the magnum series that much worse than the XE cams? And did you swap out the valve springs when you put it in? What brand torque converter do you use?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
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From: Forked River NJ
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (killervette666)
The XE cams are slightly newer design than the magnum cams so the ramps on the cam are better designed. The new heads come with new springs all setup but I would put on new springs anyway. Anytime a set of springs has more than 20K on them I would change. If going with a more aggresive cam change the springs. It is a cheap thing to do and you don't want the valves to float. We have not gotten the converter yet but he is thinking a B&M.
[Modified by Gordonm, 6:43 PM 1/28/2004]
[Modified by Gordonm, 6:43 PM 1/28/2004]
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (Gordonm)
How much did you pay for the cam kit? Seems this is the best way to go. I thought a wilder cam would produce better power, but by the responses it looks as if the 262 is my best bet. Thanks for all the help!!!!! :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (killervette666)
It is his car so he is paying for the cam and lifters so I don't know the price. He got the best deal from Jegs if I remember. I would suggest a cam kit as everything is matched together. I did this on my dads Vette a couple of years ago and it ran great. The wilder cam will help power but the rest of the motor has to be able to support it. If the heads don't flow enough or you don't have the right compression a big cam will be a dog in the motor.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
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From: Severna Park Md
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (Gordonm)
Good call Gordom. The stock compression of the L48 will not match anything higher than the XE262. Trust me I have direct expierence with the difference between the 262 and 268. Even with my higher compression of 10.5to1+, the 262 worked better then the 268. I read the characteristics that the cam manufacturers list. Its my belief that they understate the negitive effects of hipo cams. CC recomends a spring change with the 262. i bought the K-kit which included cam, lifters, springs, retainers, keepers and timing set. Its the best way to go.
Check out TCI's "Break A Way" convertor. Its listed stall speed is 2400 but it will be slightly lower on a 350ci. Its a great match for the 262. The top end range for the 262 is 5500rpm so the stock bottom end can handle those speeds no prob. When you begin to approach 6000rpm on a stock bottom end yur pushin yur luck.
Check out TCI's "Break A Way" convertor. Its listed stall speed is 2400 but it will be slightly lower on a 350ci. Its a great match for the 262. The top end range for the 262 is 5500rpm so the stock bottom end can handle those speeds no prob. When you begin to approach 6000rpm on a stock bottom end yur pushin yur luck.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (Jvette73)
Heres a link to the TCI i mentioned.
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...39&prmenbr=361
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...39&prmenbr=361
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,410
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From: chicago IL
Re: Torque Converter swap?? (Gordonm)
THANKS GUYS :thumbs: I apprecaite the help A LOT, this should be a good combo until i can get some nice aluminum heads, and rebuild the engine. :cheers: