Higher stall TC versus gears, please explain
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Joined: Oct 2004
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Higher stall TC versus gears, please explain
I have seen many threads with recommend upgrading the gears(to 3.42 for example) and getting a higher stall converter.
Some people claim that if you have a 3.15 alrady, then a higher stall converter will help. What I am not understanding is what "help" means.
Does this mean that accelleration will be quicker, thus more SOTP feel?
I ask because I have 3.15s now, and just upgrading my TC would be a big cost savings. However, I am not getting why TC without the gears would be helpful.
So the second question is: If I were to do only one upgrade: TC or gears, which should I do? I don't plan on heavy drag racing as this is a daily driver. I am going to install a mild to moderate cam.
Please help with my confusion.
Thanks,
greg
Some people claim that if you have a 3.15 alrady, then a higher stall converter will help. What I am not understanding is what "help" means.
Does this mean that accelleration will be quicker, thus more SOTP feel?
I ask because I have 3.15s now, and just upgrading my TC would be a big cost savings. However, I am not getting why TC without the gears would be helpful.
So the second question is: If I were to do only one upgrade: TC or gears, which should I do? I don't plan on heavy drag racing as this is a daily driver. I am going to install a mild to moderate cam.
Please help with my confusion.
Thanks,
greg
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 3
From: Davie Florida
A high stall T/C allows your engine to instantly rev up higher in the RPM band where your engine is making alot more HP & torque when you go WOT. The stock converter stalls at only 1600 RPM a converter like the Yank SS3600 stalls at 3600 RPM. Your engine is making much more power at 3600 RPM than it is at only 1600 RPM. The more power that is available when you go WOT the faster your car will accelerate.
A high stall T/C also has higher shift extentions. A T/C like the SS3600 only drops back to 4800-5000 RPM when your tranny shifts at WOT. The stock T/C will drop back to 4000 RPM when your tranny shifts at WOT. Because your making more HP at 4800-5000 RPM your car will accelerate faster in the 1/4 mile and on the highway. Once you have a really good T/C gears are not as important for performance as with the stock T/C.
Gears alone will improve your cars performance but they will not give you the same gains as a good T/C or a T/C and bigger gears. If you are planning to install a decent cam(220 duration or more). A high stall T/C is a must IMO, for both driveabilty and performance with a bigger cam. Since you have 3.15 gears the Yank SS3200 will work nicely with your 3.15s. But since you're planning to install a bigger cam a combo like the Yank SS3600 and at least 3.42 gears would be a better choice.
A high stall T/C also has higher shift extentions. A T/C like the SS3600 only drops back to 4800-5000 RPM when your tranny shifts at WOT. The stock T/C will drop back to 4000 RPM when your tranny shifts at WOT. Because your making more HP at 4800-5000 RPM your car will accelerate faster in the 1/4 mile and on the highway. Once you have a really good T/C gears are not as important for performance as with the stock T/C.
Gears alone will improve your cars performance but they will not give you the same gains as a good T/C or a T/C and bigger gears. If you are planning to install a decent cam(220 duration or more). A high stall T/C is a must IMO, for both driveabilty and performance with a bigger cam. Since you have 3.15 gears the Yank SS3200 will work nicely with your 3.15s. But since you're planning to install a bigger cam a combo like the Yank SS3600 and at least 3.42 gears would be a better choice.
Last edited by Mitch C; Mar 15, 2005 at 02:43 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 2
From: pawleys island sc
I TOTALLY agree with what Mitch says- if you're going to do a H/C then go for the SS 3600 and the 3.42s. I listerned to all his advice before I made my mods and as a result have nothing but the greatest respect for his knowledge, helpfulness and opinions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 3
From: Davie Florida
Originally Posted by 99 vett babycar
I TOTALLY agree with what Mitch says- if you're going to do a H/C then go for the SS 3600 and the 3.42s. I listerned to all his advice before I made my mods and as a result have nothing but the greatest respect for his knowledge, helpfulness and opinions.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 210
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From: Greenville, South Carolina Drive It Like You Stole It !!!
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by 99 vett babycar
I TOTALLY agree with what Mitch says- if you're going to do a H/C then go for the SS 3600 and the 3.42s. I listerned to all his advice before I made my mods and as a result have nothing but the greatest respect for his knowledge, helpfulness and opinions.
Me Too !!!!!!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Highlands Ranch Co
I have stage 3 heads, a 226 228 cam, 3.42 gears, and the stock t/c and it is fast but I am currently putting in a 2800 vigalante t/c. My tuner has told me this will help not just with the acceleration but also with my idle. I can't wait bec
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Highlands Ranch Co
I have stage 3 heads, a 226 228 cam, 3.42 gears, and the stock t/c and it is fast but I am currently putting in a 2800 vigalante t/c. My tuner has told me this will help not just with the acceleration but also with my idle. I can't wait!!!! 
