Street89vette

Looking for suggestions on replacing factory torque converter with hp stall. Still driving this vette on the streets with good state inspection. Ported intake system and running LT4 cam. What converter will work on street or strip? 3000 stall too much? Just want to get a good hole shot on the rice burners and still go highway driving. Only est.. 300hp now but working on it. Rear end gears maybe 3.07.

wikdwizard

I run a Circle D lockup 3200 on the street all the time and love it. Make sure to monitor temps and add a trans cooler in line after the radiator.

Street89vette

Just installed champion 3 row radiator to keep engine cool and flowkooler hp water pump. seems to be working really good. Is this enough for transmission or do I still need to add trans oil cooler?

A Peter C4

Add trans cooler after rad, on return line. That works best. High stall converters create more heat street driving, makes everything live longer. 3000-3200 should work great on the street.

wikdwizard

Yep^.

From what I have experienced when using only the factory cooler in the radiator your trans temp will level off at whatever the coolant in your radiator is. My rule of thumb is to not let the trans temps get to 200, so the added cooler is a must. The one I run on my C4 covers about a quarter the surface area of the AC condenser.

blackozvet

You may not need a trans cooler for the street if you use a good quality synthetic fluid (you will need all new fluid in it if you do a converter change anyway).

NOMOREWORK

I just had a 2400 FTI installed with 3:07 gears in a street car and I am thrilled with the

Street89vette

thanks, some of the other comments were suggesting 3000 range. I like the sound of 2400 better for my street car. Is it good for a little hole shot off a green light? Zero to 30mph good?

wikdwizard

If a different fluid were to keep it cooler the difference would be negligible, and it would not be any easier to cool down after a heat soak than with any other fluid without an external cooler. I wouldn't put synthetic fluid in a trans that is used to non-synthetic anyhow. Also, why and how do you suggest he replaces "all" of the fluid with a converter swap? Not trying to be difficult; just want to share thought processes here.

NOMOREWORK

Absolutely !!!

Street89vette

is that a lock up 2400?

NOMOREWORK

Yes it is

cv67

Any 700r should have a separate oil cooler it really adds life esp to the early ones they wont puke the front seal when they get hot
Noticed nice temps diff for motor and oil when it was only run to the external and not the radiator
When it went through the radiator (had a very loose cheap pos 2800) if I got on it hard even once my coolant temp would shoot up also takes the fun out of it.

aklim

My trans isn't a living organism and doesn't get used to anything. I also heard old wives tales of that concerning the engine oil, leaving battery on concrete, fuel pump will burn up if you don't have over a quarter tank, etc. Violated all those rules before.

How do you swap a converter? I would think you have to remove the trans. You'd have to disconnect the lines so blow them out. While it is out, you might as well change the filter which drains the pan and the trans itself.

aklim

I would go with a Precision Industries Vigilante. They will restall it within 2 years. 5 year warranty. That means if you don't like it, send it back and they will adjust it. Also, if the trans craps out in 2 years, same thing. This comes with their recommendation of what to get for what you say you have. If you change something, they can restall it.

If your trans craps out, there is nothing you can do to flush out everything in the TC without cutting it apart.

vader86

I have a Vigilante 2400, bit aggressive in how they lock up and the first one had a lot of chatter. I made them replace it and I don't particularly care for the replacement.

To me, anything higher than 2400 will not be great for the street. I would not recommend going with a 3000 stall.

cv67

2400 is about perfect with the TPI and 3.07 gear will feel stock just leave harder

Sure 3k from a dead stop will launch hard but it simply isnt needed
If you had a big cam and some lower gears maybe.


Edit: werent the S10 converters 2500? ANyone know if they are compatible with the Vette 700r or up to the torque rating

Cjunkie

1) Circle D

2) TCI

I would do a 3000 or 3200. There is no point going lower, if so why even change the stock one unless its bad.

A Peter C4

I agree with Cjunkie for street. Big cams require 4500-5000 stall, talk to your coverter maker for best stall speed for your application, they can guide you.

blackozvet

its not about keeping it cooler, synthetic fluid has a different molecular structure, it doesnt break down like natural fluids do, it lasts a lot longer or lasts better under extreme use.

If you have to take the trans out to put the converter in , then you will be replacing "all" the fluid .

some people think the difference between $5 a litre (or quart) and $15 a litre trans fluid is just the price !