Torque Converter Question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
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?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,171
Likes: 1,735
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
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]
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]
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 1
From: Kingwood TX
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 $$.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
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
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 858
Likes: 5
From: Fl,USA
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
John
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,171
Likes: 1,735
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
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.
Elite Torch Red 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
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.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 1
From: New Albany IN
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'06-'08-'09
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.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: edmonton ab
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:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,464
Likes: 1
From: Modesto CA
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.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 1
From: New Albany IN
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'06-'08-'09
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..
I have a 2600 one and I've never noticed it "slipping"..hmm..
