C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Torque Converter Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 20, 2003 | 06:21 PM
  #1  
dbwade36's Avatar
dbwade36
Thread Starter
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
Default Torque Converter Question

When I have the 383 engine installed, should I have the torque converter changed to high stall? How much 2200? How exactly does the torque converter work, in layman's terms? Will my effective RPM range increase with new 383 crate motor?
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2003 | 06:23 PM
  #2  
vader86's Avatar
vader86
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,141
Likes: 1,729
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Default Re: Torque Converter Question (dbwade36)

Doesnt affect the rpm range really, it just allows you to get the engine up to torque peak quicker so you can launch harder. That equals lower ETs.

2200-2400 for a daily, maybe more depending on track use

YOU WILL need the transmission beefed up, with a Cooler behind a 383.


[Modified by vader86, 5:23 PM 8/20/2003]
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2003 | 06:34 PM
  #3  
Vette9d1's Avatar
Vette9d1
Drifting
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 1
From: Kingwood TX
Default Re: Torque Converter Question (dbwade36)

I like my 2000 stall converter. Some of the time I wish I had gone with a little more like a 2400 but then again it took some getting used to with just a 2000. Changing the stall definately changes street manners in a noticeable way. Another thing you might consider other than just stall speed is the diameter size of the converter. A strong well built (yet still lighter and smaller) should rev up easier and reduce drivetrain loss a little bit. The only thing is a very high quality and lighter or smaller converter can be big $$.
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2003 | 06:36 PM
  #4  
dbwade36's Avatar
dbwade36
Thread Starter
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
Default Re: Torque Converter Question (vader86)

So, should I ask for a 2400 converter after 383 upgrade? I know this sounds dumb, but what is a cooler? Attached to tranny? Why is it needed? Will the tranny just run too hot w/that much HP under the hood? Sorry, I learn more everyday about vettes, but it seems like a never ending process and I think alcohol over the years, may have limited my brain cell volume a bit. hehe
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2003 | 06:48 PM
  #5  
JOHN89's Avatar
JOHN89
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 858
Likes: 5
From: Fl,USA
Default Re: Torque Converter Question (dbwade36)

If you have the originally installed torque converter (1986) then it should stall up in the range that you want with a 383. That is if it still works ok. I have the 85/86 converter in my 89 and it stalls at 2700 with my mods. Many folks here are running aftermarket such as vigalante 9" converters. This might be worth a couple of tenths in the 1/4 over the 85/86 one. I just couldn't come off my wallet for $700.00 vs the $180.00 I spent at the Chevy dealer for mine. I shaved about .5 seconds in the 1/4 just from this mod!
John
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2003 | 07:05 PM
  #6  
vader86's Avatar
vader86
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,141
Likes: 1,729
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Default Re: Torque Converter Question (dbwade36)

If your tranny is original, it already has a 2024rpm stall. You can change that if you want, its totally up to you. If you want to be faster off the line then do it.

You will need a transmission cooler better than the stock setup, It will usually be mounted in front of the radiator so that fluid temps are lower. Hot fluid KILLS the 700r4. Higher stall TC=hotter fluid, more torque=more stress and hotter fluid. Sometimes a cooler can double the transmission's lifetime. Behind a 383 you will need it to be beefed up, both hard and soft parts.
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2003 | 07:14 PM
  #7  
dbwade36's Avatar
dbwade36
Thread Starter
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
Default Re: Torque Converter Question (vader86)

Tranny is completely rebuilt- 3k miles ago and new converter, but I am sure it is a stock one. sounds like I need to consider the cooler when I do the engine swap. The more I think about this, the more I think I am going to go w/a professional shop that specializes in "custom" Corvette rebuilds/mods. Maybe a crate isn't the way to go for me. I have an appt next week to discuss a "custom" build, to include what parts,type, etc. and come up w/a plan. I may just spend a few extra $$ and do it that way. I am agonizing over this, because I just don't know enough or trust someone enough to make sure it gets down right, the 1st time.
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2003 | 07:39 PM
  #8  
Mr Mojo's Avatar
Mr Mojo
Elite Torch Red Member
Supporting Lifetime Gold
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Default Re: Torque Converter Question (dbwade36)

Best bet is to call a TC manufacturer and tell them what you have and your intended purpose. Then they will recommend something.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Aug 20, 2003 | 09:40 PM
  #9  
Dark-Knight's Avatar
Dark-Knight
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,133
Likes: 1
From: ~The DARKSIDE Group~
Default Re: Torque Converter Question (dbwade36)

TTT
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2003 | 10:39 PM
  #10  
Bruthish's Avatar
Bruthish
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 1
From: New Albany IN
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'06-'08-'09
Default Re: Torque Converter Question (Mr Mojo)

just be advised that with a higher stall you will think something is wrong...I did with a 2400...seems like it is always slipping.....but is normal.
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2003 | 04:40 AM
  #11  
vettek50's Avatar
vettek50
Racer
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: edmonton ab
Default Re: Torque Converter Question (Bruthish)

definetly need to beef up tranny with your proposed 383... just been rebuilt? it would have recieved the manditory normal upgrade modications.. as for stall 2400 is good daily driver...2700-2800 for perfect launch..your choice.. i went with 2600 ( rebuilt and modified gm TC) and beefed 400r with cermic hard parts..shift kit...tranny cooler...should take up to 500hp and about the same tork.. :auto:
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2003 | 05:42 AM
  #12  
TIMSPEED's Avatar
TIMSPEED
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,464
Likes: 1
From: Modesto CA
Default Re: Torque Converter Question (Bruthish)

just be advised that with a higher stall you will think something is wrong...I did with a 2400...seems like it is always slipping.....but is normal.
I have a 2600 one and I've never noticed it "slipping"..hmm..
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2003 | 07:30 AM
  #13  
Bruthish's Avatar
Bruthish
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 1
From: New Albany IN
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'06-'08-'09
Default Re: Torque Converter Question (TIMSPEED)

just be advised that with a higher stall you will think something is wrong...I did with a 2400...seems like it is always slipping.....but is normal.
I have a 2600 one and I've never noticed it "slipping"..hmm..
You don't feel the slipping? Must be nice. If I drive in a normal fashion, it seems that the rpms don't match the speed. Once I go WOT it really kicks in. I asked numerous times on the forum and all have said that it was normal....now you have me wondering :nonod:
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2003 | 08:53 AM
  #14  
Vette9d1's Avatar
Vette9d1
Drifting
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 1
From: Kingwood TX
Default Re: Torque Converter Question (Bruthish)

As far as I can tell from mine and from what others have said its normal.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Torque Converter Question





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:17 AM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE