Daaco "hemi" Reman Converter for my 440 - good or bad idea?

[BPBP440]

I have received a couple of opinions to use a Hemi converter as a budget minded option and get a bit more stall over a stock 440 unit. Looks like this could run about $100 for a Daaco reman unit, plus another $50 or so for an aftermarket flexplate to accomodate the 10" bolt circle.



Is this a good way to go, or are there better options to get a bit more stall on a budget?


Some Background: 70 Belvedere, 440 with essentailly a 6-pack grind cam, 9.3:1 compression, eddy performer intake and carb. Assume 3.23 gear (although not yet purchased). A cruiser, not a high peformance machine.


Thanks,
Jim

 

[rev.ronnie]

Just remember, if it fails, it could take out your thrust bearing in the engine as well as a lot of transmission parts. I think it would be cheap insurance to drop the extra cash on a "known, name brand" performance converter.

 

[css426truck]

the hemi converter will work why would you take out the thrust? If you install the converter right it is free to move left to right. Look at a 68-70 RR or super bee converter 1600-1800 stock and used a 6 cyl flexlate the 225 and V8 used 3/8nf bolt in the converter and the hemi used a 7/16 or a 1/2 bolt in the converter. Good old mopar hp parts.

 

[BPBP440]

Just remember, if it fails, it could take out your thrust bearing in the engine as well as a lot of transmission parts. I think it would be cheap insurance to drop the extra cash on a "known, name brand" performance converter.

Is the concern the quality of the reman unit through Daaco?

I know converters can get expensive quick, and that a custom converter is the way to go. However in the case of a cruiser with occasional flogging, what is a good reliable aftermarket converter?

 

[Garys1969RR]

I have used the "Street Hemi" converter many times with good success. I have a stock one left, and one that has been modified for a little higher stall. No info on the company your talking about. Maybe ask them for a previous customer list? Then ask them how well the converter works.

- - - Updated - - -

Last summer I bought a used T/C from a guy off C List. Its a TCI "Saturday Nite Special." It has worked well, and got my stall close to 3000 RPM on my 451. Only paid $250 for it. They are about 600 new.

 

[BPBP440]

I have used the "Street Hemi" converter many times with good success. I have a stock one left, and one that has been modified for a little higher stall. No info on the company your talking about. Maybe ask them for a previous customer list? Then ask them how well the converter works.

Near as I can tell, Daaco has a line of $300-$400 "performance" converters, but the main business seems to be autoparts store remanufactured units. In this case it was thorough Rock Auto.

Also, sent you a PM.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Garys1969RR]

Have never had a T/C fail. Meke sure its real clean on the inside.

 

[rev.ronnie]

Dacco is known to bend over fins to increase stall. The proper way to do it involves changing the pitch of the stator and the turbine fins.
M Simply smashing them over just makes it slip and not really lock up properly. This makes a lot of heat.

A converter can balloon and take out the thrust.

 

[Garys1969RR]

I have heard the term "Balloon" before. Does that mean that the T/C actually expands outward from pressure, or maybe high RPM? Then I would guess that the T/C prob hits the rear of the block, putting pressure on the center engine bearing, which takes thrust, causing it to fail? Just tryin to learn what can or has happened before. Thanks

 

[BPBP440]

So I went forward with the Daaco stock reman 10 3/4" Hemi TC.
Looking at using the 440 Source flexplate to accommodate the 10" mounting circle/ larger TC bolts, unless there is another suggestion you guys have.
http://store.440source.com/Solid-Flexplate-6-bolt-Neutral-balance-New/productinfo/200-1040/

 

[rev.ronnie]

I have heard the term "Balloon" before. Does that mean that the T/C actually expands outward from pressure, or maybe high RPM? Then I would guess that the T/C prob hits the rear of the block, putting pressure on the center engine bearing, which takes thrust, causing it to fail? Just tryin to learn what can or has happened before. Thanks

That's pretty much the nexus of it. Performance converters have "anti ballooning" plates to circumvent this.