Is a higher stall T/C only meant to improve off-the-line performance?
02-11-2018, 10:55 PM
#1
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Is a higher stall T/C only meant to improve off-the-line performance?
I have a bone stock 2003 AE with factory 2:73's and intend to swap out for 3.42's this spring. I'm confused about whether a torque converter upgrade is also 'necessary' at this time to compliment the new gears or if the factory T/C will suffice. My goal is to simply create a more spirited driving experience on occasion with no intention to drag the car or do hole-shots from a stopped position. Just looking to have much improved acceleration available under my right foot when the mood strikes. I also want my wife to be comfortable when she takes it out around town. With that goal in mind, would I be ok leaving the factory T/C with the new 3.42's or would a modest upgrade to a 2200-2400 be worthwhile? My understanding is that now would be the most economical time to do it since the car will already be up and apart for the carrier swap. Thanks.
Last edited by Bruceb66; 02-11-2018 at 11:18 PM.
02-11-2018, 11:01 PM
#2
Race Director
I have a bone stock 2003 AE with factory 2:73's and intend to swap out for 3.42's this spring. I'm confused about whether a T/C upgrade is also 'necessary' at this time to compliment the new gears or if the factory T/C will suffice. My goal is to simply create a more spirited driving experience on occasion with no intention to drag the car or do hole-shots from a stopped position. Just looking to have much improved acceleration available under my right foot when the mood strikes. I also want my wife to be comfortable when she takes it out around town. With that goal in mind, would I be ok leaving the factory T/C with the new 3.42's or would a modest upgrade to a 2200-2400 be worthwhile? My understanding is that now would be the most economical time to do it since the car will already be up and apart for the carrier swap. Thanks.
02-11-2018, 11:16 PM
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02-11-2018, 11:53 PM
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02-12-2018, 01:39 AM
#5
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Keep the stock converter. A higher stall is only necessary if you have moved the powerband up from adding a larger cam. A higher stall with a stock engine will give a little more acceleration off the line, but you'll also drop gas mileage and dump more heat into the transmission. If you really want to go higher, I wouldn't go more than 500 rpm over stock.
Steve
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Bruceb66 (02-12-2018)
02-12-2018, 08:36 AM
#6
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Keep the stock converter. A higher stall is only necessary if you have moved the powerband up from adding a larger cam. A higher stall with a stock engine will give a little more acceleration off the line, but you'll also drop gas mileage and dump more heat into the transmission. If you really want to go higher, I wouldn't go more than 500 rpm over stock.
Steve
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Bruceb66 (02-12-2018)
02-12-2018, 10:14 AM
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Keep the stock converter. A higher stall is only necessary if you have moved the powerband up from adding a larger cam. A higher stall with a stock engine will give a little more acceleration off the line, but you'll also drop gas mileage and dump more heat into the transmission. If you really want to go higher, I wouldn't go more than 500 rpm over stock.
Steve
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02-12-2018, 02:18 PM
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Even swapping from my 3.15 to 3.42 made a difference in take off. Going from your 2.73 to 3.42 will make even a larger difference.Save the torque converter swap until you make a cam change that moves your horsepower up the rpm band.
If you think you might you might change your cam anytime soon, then I would suggest waiting and doing the gear ratio and converter swap at the same time. You are correct it will be cheaper that way. If you have no plans for a cam change then you'll find the rear end ratio change will be noticeable (and you'll save the cost of adding and plumbing a trans cooler).
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Bruceb66 (02-12-2018)
02-15-2018, 11:26 PM
#10
i know the 4th gen F bodies made great gains with just a converter.It felt like a whole different motor. I think converter and drag radials was the best bang for the buck to be had on these cars. I dont see what would make the vette any different.
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Bruceb66 (02-17-2018)