Torque converter selection (again)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Torque converter selection (again)
Here's my setup:
383 stroker
10.5:1 pistons
AFR 195cc heads
Performer RPM
Holley 750
(Estimating about 500hp)
TH350
3.55 gears
My car will be driven on the street, and will see the dragstrip on some weekends.
TSI recommended a 10" converter with a 3200-3500 stall range.
What do you guys think? It seemed a little high to me, but I really don't know too much about converters. I would appreciate any input!
Thanks,
Jerry
383 stroker
10.5:1 pistons
AFR 195cc heads
Performer RPM
Holley 750
(Estimating about 500hp)
TH350
3.55 gears
My car will be driven on the street, and will see the dragstrip on some weekends.
TSI recommended a 10" converter with a 3200-3500 stall range.
What do you guys think? It seemed a little high to me, but I really don't know too much about converters. I would appreciate any input!
Thanks,
Jerry
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 708
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria VA
Re: Torque converter selection (jerryjfunk)
The basic rule of thumb is 600rpm under your torque peak but other factors must be considered (streetability for one). Another factor to consider is stall torque ratio (used to make up for loss of low end torque) and efficiency (dont want a 1.4 short time and only 100mph traps).
Mike
Mike
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,600
Likes: 170
From: Toronto, Canada
Re: Torque converter selection (Bravery)
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Re: Torque converter selection (jerryjfunk)
Without a lockup TC I would limit it to about 3000. You also want to get the smallest diameter for what ever stall you want.
I have a 3500 stall 9.5 inch. It's around town manners are not the best because it really builds the heat in stop and go traffic even with the biggest B&M tranny cooler made.
You didn't list your cam specs.
I have a 3500 stall 9.5 inch. It's around town manners are not the best because it really builds the heat in stop and go traffic even with the biggest B&M tranny cooler made.
You didn't list your cam specs.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Re: Torque converter selection (gkull)
Thanks for the input guys. That's a good article, too.
Gkull, here's my cam specs:
Valve lift: intake .488 exhaust .510
.050 duration: 234 244
I'm going to give a couple other places a call tomorrow and see what they think. I'm off to bed!
G'night,
Jerry
Gkull, here's my cam specs:
Valve lift: intake .488 exhaust .510
.050 duration: 234 244
I'm going to give a couple other places a call tomorrow and see what they think. I'm off to bed!
G'night,
Jerry
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Prineville Oregon
Re: Torque converter selection (jerryjfunk)
Jerry, I think your a little over optomistic on your HP estimate...I'm betting closer to 450 HP with your listed specs. Those same specs on a 350 c.i. are very close to what Holley and Edlebrock list for their 420 HP engine-build combinations.
I ran a TCI ten inch and found it to be streetable (3200 stall)...but everybodys definition of "streetable" will be different! My current TCI Super Ten Inch converter is closer to 3800-4000 stall and is uncomfortable to drive for long on the street. Also make sure you pay the extra few dollars and get a converter with the anti-ballooning plate, you never know if your next decision will be to run NOS or some other power adder...its very cheap insurance for a stronger converter.
P.S. Your going to need slicks to get the power to the ground. With slicks, a 3200-3500 stall converter and your current combination you should see mid to high 12 second times. With 420 HP I was running 12.88 ET's
Deen
I ran a TCI ten inch and found it to be streetable (3200 stall)...but everybodys definition of "streetable" will be different! My current TCI Super Ten Inch converter is closer to 3800-4000 stall and is uncomfortable to drive for long on the street. Also make sure you pay the extra few dollars and get a converter with the anti-ballooning plate, you never know if your next decision will be to run NOS or some other power adder...its very cheap insurance for a stronger converter.
P.S. Your going to need slicks to get the power to the ground. With slicks, a 3200-3500 stall converter and your current combination you should see mid to high 12 second times. With 420 HP I was running 12.88 ET's
Deen
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Re: Torque converter selection (DeenHylton)
Deen,
Isn't it good to be over optimistic sometimes...? :crazy: But seriously, I don't think I'm that far off. AFR's heads flow much better than Edelbrock's (I assume you're talking about their Performer RPM or E-Tec heads), so that could make a fairly large difference.
American Speed (http://www.amerspeed.com) made 500 hp out of a 383 using AFR 195cc heads at only 9.6:1 compression, Performer RPM manifold, and Holley 750. I'm not sure of their cam specs, but those are pretty impressive numbers.
I'll take your advice on the anti-ballooning plate for sure, and I'll probably use a 3000-3500 converter. Oh, and hopefully I'll slap on a set of street-legal drag slicks by Spring. :D
Thanks,
Jerry
Isn't it good to be over optimistic sometimes...? :crazy: But seriously, I don't think I'm that far off. AFR's heads flow much better than Edelbrock's (I assume you're talking about their Performer RPM or E-Tec heads), so that could make a fairly large difference.
American Speed (http://www.amerspeed.com) made 500 hp out of a 383 using AFR 195cc heads at only 9.6:1 compression, Performer RPM manifold, and Holley 750. I'm not sure of their cam specs, but those are pretty impressive numbers.
I'll take your advice on the anti-ballooning plate for sure, and I'll probably use a 3000-3500 converter. Oh, and hopefully I'll slap on a set of street-legal drag slicks by Spring. :D
Thanks,
Jerry
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Prineville Oregon
Re: Torque converter selection (jerryjfunk)
Jerry, the AFR 195's are a great choice and are very capable of making over 500 HP...in fact they would be my choice if I had to do it all over again (I'm running Holleys....very similar to the Edlebrockds). I think you have it correct in stating the cam is the limiting factor. A roller cam with 10 degrees more duration would probably get you over the 500 HP mark(solid lifter would work too). I'm running a solid lifter cam 249-259 @ .050 .543-.561 lift. The car idles at 1000 RPM in neutral and has enough engine vacuum to operate the power-brakes/headlights. Anyway it sounds like your off to a great start! Have fun, Deen
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Re: Torque converter selection (jerryjfunk)
Jerry - Big cams like lots of compression. Low 11:1 is very realistic with 91 octane pump gas. I went with 10.84 and i wish I would have gone 11.4 or so. You also need to run valve lifts near the heads max flow. That is why I went with .635/.644
[Modified by gkull, 8:21 AM 9/19/2002]
[Modified by gkull, 8:21 AM 9/19/2002]
