Torque Converters, New or Used?

[Virg464]

Looking for some feedback/your thoughts on this question. Building my first dedicated 1/4 mile car on a limited budget buying the best stuff I can (translation - long term build). The car, 66 coronet with a +.030" bore 400 cu motor running about 10.5-1 compression. Running a comp cam XR292HR-10 cam (hyd roller), single 4bbl carb. Not a monster motor by any stretch of the imagination, built for reliable weekend fun at the track. I'm told by the engine builder (long time racer) that I should look for a converter in the 3000 to 3500 stall range. My question: Would you buy a used converter or go ahead an buy new? The reason I ask is I hate to spend good money and find out it's not what I need to get the best out of the car.

 

[Cranky]

Not sure what new 3-3500 stall verts go for but if you can find one that's not going to break the bank, it's not a bad idea. It's a good idea to talk to a tech and know the weight of the car and hp of the engine wouldn't hurt so you can get at least close to what's right but there's usually always someone selling a used but never used one somewhere.

 

[ruffcut]

Agree with @Cranky, new and built for your combo is the best way to go. The builder will need as much info on your engine as is available, as heads, cam, comp ratio, etc. Good luck! ruffcut

 

[Pie Hanks]

I have a big block 727 deep oil pan with 3500 converter I pulled out of my car. The transmission will definitely need to be rebuilt and the converter should be rebuilt. Transmission would stop pulling when hot. I went with a powerglide. I will let transmission and converter go for $350 plus shipping. I’m located in south Louisiana.

 

[radical rob]

One company to call for this is gearstar. This is exactly what they do. Located in Akron, Ohio

 

[dvw]

PTC builds great moderately priced street converters. Call them.
Doug

 

[Aron Gleason]

The better converters are not cheap and are much better if you drive it on the street as the trans Temps will be cooler. I run a 4500 stall j converter on the street and it will stay at 180°

 

[383man]

Myself I would not buy a used converter unless its from someone I know well and trust and know the combo the converter is in. But I prefer new as its best to get a converter that right for your full combo and needs. Good luck , Ron

 

[64plymouth]

For a track only car spend the money on a new convertor build for your car.

 

[Dan64]

I personally would bite the bullet and buy one that is right for your combo. I would call Dynamic or PTC. They will want to know the cars weight, hp and torque numbers ,gear ratio, ect. If you buy a used one ( or even off the shelf) the chance of all this being correct is slim, you may chase your tail trying to figure out what's not happy with your combo and it could be the convertor all along. Their way more important than a lot of guys realize. Good luck and have fun with your build.

 

[ruffcut]

As I said before, go with a new convertor. The difference can either make or break your build. Especially if the car will be race only. A used one may cause you to wonder if you are giving up any performance, which is very possible.

 

[bobtile]

First serious converter I bought from a "friend " lasted 8 passes before it blew.
Bought a new street converter from PTC for about 450 bucks and it did exactly what they said it would do. I'll never buy used again.

 

[Virg464]

Thank you all for the feedback. I'm definitely going to contact one of the companies mentioned earlier and get a converter built for the setup I'm going to be running.

 

[ohiokm]

Any quality built used converter...can be refreshed /set up for your car by the manufacturer. Before you install the converter... Usually for around $200.

 

[rumblefish360]

Call up a converter company and give them ALL of the cars specs and hold none back. Tell them what you want the converter to do for you and how you will drive the car and such details. (Street machine, driven on the streets 2-4 days a week, weekend drag racing D amount of times a month/year.) You’ll get hooked up and have no regrets. I went with a local place to me (at the time) called Pro Torque and had them make me one.

http://protorque.com/ (There in Pa. now)

There are other places, Ultimate, Dynamic, etc….
It’ll be worth every penny.