Hypothetical Torque converter question

[tim foyt]

hey Guy's, I have a Hypothetical question regarding picking a off the shelf Torque Converter. say I have a 440 & 727, built and ready to install.camshaft power band calls for a 2600-2800 stahl. I have two cars that I can put said Drivetrain in, one weighs 3000lbs, the other weighs 3700lbs, would the same converter be appropriate for either application? Tim.

 

[PDFROGMAN]

hey Guy's, I have a Hypothetical question regarding picking a off the shelf Torque Converter. say I have a 440 & 727, built and ready to install.camshaft power band calls for a 2600-2800 stahl. I have two cars that I can put said Drivetrain in, one weighs 3000lbs, the other weighs 3700lbs, would the same converter be appropriate for either application? Tim.

I am going to say no
too many variables
torque production? big block vs small block with have different HP and torque specs
manufacturer? how do they determine stall speed?
rear end ratio?
tire size?
street tire? slicks?
all of that effects stall speed



I've been building transmissions better part of 35 years for the life of me I can understand the logic.... guys spend Big bucks to make HP and than cheap out on a converter
I cringe when someone asks me to build a unit for them and they bring me a TCI or B&M from summitt or jegs

I usually suggest ATI or I have a local guy to me that will build one for me
the more info you can provide for the vehicle the better chance you have off getting a a converter thast is right for your application.
there is more to building converters than bending the fins with a pliers LOL
just my .02

 

[Cranky]

Even different big blocks produce different torque numbers and that will affect what stall you need. I look at cams the same way. Too many just get an off the shelf cam without any regard to the combination of the WHOLE car......and with a cheap converter, you can balloon the thing if the engine is strong enough.

 

[Southernman]

IMO, the answer is maybe. If you spec the powertrain for the heavier car then switch things over to the lighter car, the change actually works in your favor - (i.e. you could see a reduction in your stall speed in the lighter car, which is consistent with going to a lighter vehicle). Depending on gearing, you could have a more difficult time hooking the car, but as long as you stick with a 3800 (stalls to 2800 as you noted above) you're consistent with 90+% of what guys run these days in BOTH A and B bodies... Again, that's been my experience.

Southernman

 

[racedodge]

hey Guy's, I have a Hypothetical question regarding picking a off the shelf Torque Converter. say I have a 440 & 727, built and ready to install.camshaft power band calls for a 2600-2800 stahl. I have two cars that I can put said Drivetrain in, one weighs 3000lbs, the other weighs 3700lbs, would the same converter be appropriate for either application? Tim.

first and foremost, what are your plans for your cars? street, street/strip, strip, or ludicrous speed?

 

[tim foyt]

No, read above. one Engine, 440 already built.small cam that is in it would need a stahl converter in the 2600-2800 range.just a street car. question is, would the same converter be chosen whether it was installed in the 3000lb car, or the 3800lb car?

 

[PDFROGMAN]

No, read above. one Engine, 440 already built.small cam that is in it would need a stahl converter in the 2600-2800 range.just a street car. question is, would the same converter be chosen whether it was installed in the 3000lb car, or the 3800lb car?

in my opinion no