budget converter question!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Tx
budget converter question!
Guys, I know this subject has been beat to death, but it seems only for those who get 3.42's and have DR or slicks running at the track often. And I've looked through the archives and it's the same thing. Here's my specifics. I'm keeping my 3.15's(can't afford 3.42's :cry) I am going to be running street tires, MAYBE Nitto DR's once a year at the track. But for the street, I want the most efficient converter without blowing off my tires on a launch. Plus I would like to keep up a little more with the 6 speed guys on those top end runs so efficiency is important. On top of that, I don't have a lot of money to spend. What would you guys recommend? The Yank 3000 seems pretty good, but I really don't want to spend over $500 for the converter itself. In fact, I've toyed with installing it myself to save some money there as well. This just gives you an idea on how limited my budget really is! :( :cry
thanks for the help!
[Modified by DEVETTE, 5:34 PM 11/6/2002]
thanks for the help!
[Modified by DEVETTE, 5:34 PM 11/6/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,294
Likes: 1
From: Coral Springs Florida
Re: budget converter question! (DEVETTE)
Best advice is to go with the Pro Torque 2400 or even the PT2800 and get a Transgo shift kit installed..:yesnod:The transmission will shift sharp and sure and you will give the M6 boys a run for their money..I know..I've done it :lol:
More about the products mentioned here at www.protorque.comand www.txchange.com/transgo.htm You can thank me later :D
[Modified by vstella, 6:37 PM 11/6/2002]
More about the products mentioned here at www.protorque.comand www.txchange.com/transgo.htm You can thank me later :D
[Modified by vstella, 6:37 PM 11/6/2002]
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Tx
Re: budget converter question! (vstella)
Do you notice much of a difference on top end? for instance when you hit that dead spot at 40 mph in 2nd or 80 in 3rd? Or would it take a 4000 stall to notice a difference? Also, another question I forgot... how reliable are used converters? I wouldn't see much of a problem with a slightly used one... ?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 0
From: Central NJ
Re: budget converter question! (DEVETTE)
I have the PT2400 in my car, and you can barely even notice it's in there. I upgraded to 3.42s at the same time, and you can see in my sig that the combo has been good for me. I installed the setup about 2 months ago, and if I had known the car would feel this good I would have done it a long time ago. I bought my converter used, with a couple hundred miles on it from Tabbruzz on the forum, he was running it with his 3.15s and pulled 12.5s out of the car without losing anything on the top end. I can hang with most 6-speed cars on the top end, and I blow away stock 6-speed cars(except Z06s). I routinely see speeds above 140 MPH so top end was important for me. You can also talk to Face on the forum, he is running a Yank with 3.15s. Hope this helps :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 0
From: Central NJ
Re: budget converter question! (NJVetteGuy)
Oh, another plus...I can get the car to hook on street tires if I don't go crazy on the launch, I have pulled away from a lot of guys that sat there spinning :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 3
From: Davie Florida
Re: budget converter question! (DEVETTE)
If you are going to be running 3.15s go with the Yank 3000, this converter works great with 3.15 gears. But if you are willing to wait and save up for awhile the SY3500 and 3.42s would even be better especially from a roll IMHO. Check out the C5 Parts For Sale Forum there is a Yank 3000 for sale for just $350.00.
98 A4
Cartek Stage 2 Heads
Cartek Gen. 2 M Cam
LS6 Intake
TPIS Headers
ST3500
3.73 Gears
Underdrive Pulley
Donaldson Blackwing
172 T.Stat
[Modified by Mitch C, 4:15 AM 11/7/2002]
98 A4
Cartek Stage 2 Heads
Cartek Gen. 2 M Cam
LS6 Intake
TPIS Headers
ST3500
3.73 Gears
Underdrive Pulley
Donaldson Blackwing
172 T.Stat
[Modified by Mitch C, 4:15 AM 11/7/2002]
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,154
Likes: 1
From: Murphy TX
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: budget converter question! (DEVETTE)
Yank's SY line is perfect for street racing. I think the higher STR/lower stall converters are not really what you're looking for. Face is running a SY3500 w/ 3.15s, not too many running that combo. You might get his impression. It's not a converter you'll 60 with particularly well (best I have managed is 1.868 on runflats) but it's the cat's pajamas on the street. :D A little pricey though... If you know the history of the converter, a used one might not be a bad option.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Tx
Re: budget converter question! (ToplessTexan)
Obviously, my biggest problem is cost. Unless I go used, I'm not really going to be able to afford one of the nicer converters. And even a 3500 used would be stretching my pocketbook. If I had my way, it would be a ST3500 or SY3500 with 3.42's, but I would never be able to afford that combo. And there aren't going to be a lot of used 3500 converters out there like the 2400's... but I understand your point. Face, if you are out there, let me know what you think! :D And if anyone knows of any good used converters out there cheap, let me know!!!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,294
Likes: 2
From: Suffolk, Long Island NY
Re: budget converter question! (DEVETTE)
Anything over a PT2400 will probably blow your street tires away at the track. If you get a set of Nitto DR's(your better off with BFG) for the track, try to pick up a used Yank 3000 or SY3500(ST3500 with BFG's).
With my SY3500 and 3.15's, my best 60' is a 1.73. Depending on track conditions, I'm usually in the mid to high 1.7's. It also took a half second off my E.T.
One word of warning on the SY3500, the car will feel much looser. It'll take a couple hundred more rpms off the line to get the car to move away from a light the same way a stock converter would. Also when you put it in D, the car will hardly creep foward without giving gas. It took me only a couple hours to get used to, but it's not for everyone.
With my SY3500 and 3.15's, my best 60' is a 1.73. Depending on track conditions, I'm usually in the mid to high 1.7's. It also took a half second off my E.T.
One word of warning on the SY3500, the car will feel much looser. It'll take a couple hundred more rpms off the line to get the car to move away from a light the same way a stock converter would. Also when you put it in D, the car will hardly creep foward without giving gas. It took me only a couple hours to get used to, but it's not for everyone.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 3
From: Davie Florida
Re: budget converter question! (Face)
A word of advice if you decide to buy a used converter buy it from a Corvette Forum member of long standing. I bought my PT2400 used from a long standing member of the forum and the converter was in excellent condition just as he said it was. I later bought a PT2800 from a relatively new member and I got burned. The converter was not in good shape and I had to have it rebuilt.
98 A4
Donaldson Blackwing
Cartek Stage 2 Heads
Cartek Gen. 2 M cam
TPIS Headers
LS6 Intake
Underdrive Pulley
ST3500
3.73 Gears
172 T.Stat
98 A4
Donaldson Blackwing
Cartek Stage 2 Heads
Cartek Gen. 2 M cam
TPIS Headers
LS6 Intake
Underdrive Pulley
ST3500
3.73 Gears
172 T.Stat
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,154
Likes: 1
From: Murphy TX
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: budget converter question! (DEVETTE)
I guess it's worth emphasizing the need for "buying decision" rides. It would suck sinking money into a converter you were not ultimately happy with so try to get a few rides before making a final decision, that might make you feel better about whatever choice you make. On an inspirational note, I scored a SY3500 from a long time forum buddy for $500. Keep your eyes peeled. Might also be worth a phone call to a manufacturer or two to look into the possibility of getting a deal on a converter another customer has traded in. (Some folks go through converters like Andy goes through cams.:D ) They might be able to cherry pick a good one you could purchase "as is" or maybe the cost of a refurb is okay. You might also spend some time knocking around LS1Tech.com's Drivetrain forum... There are some sharp converter guys there that may have some other suggestions/options for you.
Good luck! :cheers:
Good luck! :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 0
From: Clarksburg MD
Re: budget converter question! (Mitch C)
A word of advice if you decide to buy a used converter buy it from a Corvette Forum member of long standing. I bought my PT2400 used from a long standing member of the forum and the converter was in excellent condition just as he said it was. I later bought a PT2800 from a relatively new member and I got burned. The converter was not in good shape and I had to have it rebuilt.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,033
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: budget converter question! (DEVETTE)
The total budget converter is the 2600 stall converter used in GM's own vans. In speaking to Danny Popp about my 3.42 install, he offered it to me as a $200.00 option plus $100 installation above the cost of the 3.42 install. :yesnod:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 970
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
Re: budget converter question! (ToplessTexan)
Be careful cutting corners... It is usually way more expensive to clean up a mess than to avoid one.
I cant emphasis the importance of driving a car with a setup like you are interested in. Take the time and make the effort. Opinions are all over the map on stalls. Its got to work for you and your driving style. No one else.
Mike at Yank once told me that 9 out 10 guys that come back to him for a verter change stall up...not down. The stall speed and the STR determine how loose the car is! Not just the stall speed. Good luck! Take your time or you will be disappointed and spending more money down the road to upgrade.
Matthew
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Tx
Re: budget converter question! (Adman)
Thanks for all the good advice and I agree, I need to go for a ride in different cars to see how they feel. Anyone wanna give me a ride in the Dallas area?? :D I'm not terribly concerned about looseness. I know I can get used to it. This is an everyday driver that see's the occasional 0-60 from a stop light against someone of similar calibur! :blueangel: I just know that with my current setup, I am already on the edge with my tires. And it would really suck if everytime I race someone, I would just sit there and spin with a hard hitting converter. HOWEVER, I think I can get a better launch than what I can now on the street because there's that bog immediately after the launch that would be nice to get rid of. I'm leaning towards the PT 2400 due to it's street manners, but the efficiency on the top end is what I am suspect on that one. I would go with the Yank 3000 if I can find one within my price range. Speaking of Andy, I did notice he has a new Yank 3000 laying around... ! :D
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 0
From: Clarksburg MD
Re: budget converter question! (Mitch C)
Hi Glen what are you waiting for? Get that converter installed and enjoy!!!!!
But - Santa said I could do it dec/jan so thats all good! :jester
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,613
Likes: 0
From: Winston Salem NC
Re: budget converter question! (gmf)
The stall speed and the STR determine how loose the car is! Not just the stall speed. Good luck! Take your time or you will be disappointed and spending more money down the road to upgrade.
This is true. Throw in lower gear ratio that will tighten up the feel.
This is true. Throw in lower gear ratio that will tighten up the feel.