stall torque converter recommendation

[frankdatank01]

Gents,

While I have a inquiry to TCI on a stall recommendation, I thought I would pose the question to you fine folks also. Looking for a stall recommendation for torque converter. Here are the details:

1970 Chevy C10 2WD LWB
20" rims (tire diameter 30")
Weight: ? 3800 lbs ?
Looking at TH400 Automatic with external cooler
Rear Axle Gear Ratio: 3.08
Engine: New ZZ4 350
Cam Duration 208 degree intake / 221 degree exhaust
Compression: 9.9:1
Listed HP: 355 at 5200
Listed Tq: 320 at 2000, 350 at 2500, 375 at 3000, 400 at 3500, 375 at 4000

Looking for street driven ride that will move around town very well and still behave going down the highway. (While I would like to mod for 700R4, I more concerned with getting on the road after 6 years...)

What are your thoughts on stall? 2000, 2400....

Any recommendations for local SW Ohio transmission shop or a good online trans shop. Nothing to rebuild, looking for a ready trans/converter.

Thanks in advance!

Frank the Tank

[HSRACER]

I have a 383 with about the same size cam and 3.08 gears with a 400 trans. I got the 2200-2400 torque converter and have been very happy in my 67. This is with 30.5 inch tall tires.
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[CC69Rat]

I had one called Street Fighter, 2800 I think.. it was pretty incredible.

As mentioned about 2400 would be good but I'm thinking more along the SF (2800) because of the weight of the truck.
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[67ctener]

Look up your cam it'll tell you exact converter
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[landsurvey1]

I just had a new turn key, ZZ4 350 crate motor installed in my 72 short bed. It has 20 inch rims with a turbo 400 tranny, my mechanic put in a 2500 stall.

[Toxic Orange]

Since you know your cam specs, let TCI tell you whats best. But I wouldn't stop there I would call a couple more. I have a Hughes now. I didn't know my cam specs and got a Sat Night special torque converter from TCI (about 1800) and it wasn't enough. Ended up sending it back for a Hughes 25 which is a 2200 to 2500 stall. It works good without feeling like it has a stall converter on take off etc. which helps on streetability. Mine is a TH350 but don't think that matters too much on the stall. Haven't done extensive testing but mine seems to 'flash' at the lower end of the spectrum, say 2200 rather than 2500, which may be due to the weight of our trucks. I don't think you will go wrong in the 2200 to 2600 range. For the price I am happy with the Hughes converter.

[oklalawnboy]

I would think 2500 would work good.

[frankdatank01]

Thanks for the feedback!

[TBONE1964]

The reason for stall converters is to get the engine up to its power band as quick as possible. For example, you provided the information of 355 hp at 5200 rpm and it looks like max torque is 400 at 3500 rpm. We can say that your power band (the range that your engine makes the best power) is somewhere between 3500 and 5200 RPM's, correct? With that said a stall speed of 3500 would be perfect. The problem with a 3500 converter on the street is that it very rarely sees lock up and is causing a lot of heat and slippage which causes more heat.

Your problem lies with the fact that you want to get between the stop lights quickly and still be efficient on the highway. You cant have the best of both worlds but you can split the difference. I would absolutely ditch the 3:08 and go with a 3:73 or even a 3:42 rear gear with a 2500 - 2800 stall.

Just remember if you are running a 3:08 gear moving less than 50 mph, you will most likely never see lock up driving around town with a 2500 or higher stall speed.

I would get on the phone with TCI and give them your combination and see what they recommend. They may also tell you that you need a lower rear end gear.

[70blackfish]

the best I can do is say...call a torque converter Co....

PTC

is a good one, easy to deal with......

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by Toxic Orange

Since you know your cam specs, let TCI tell you whats best. But I wouldn't stop there I would call a couple more. I have a Hughes now. I didn't know my cam specs and got a Sat Night special torque converter from TCI (about 1800) and it wasn't enough. Ended up sending it back for a Hughes 25 which is a 2200 to 2500 stall. It works good without feeling like it has a stall converter on take off etc. which helps on streetability. Mine is a TH350 but don't think that matters too much on the stall. Haven't done extensive testing but mine seems to 'flash' at the lower end of the spectrum, say 2200 rather than 2500, which may be due to the weight of our trucks. I don't think you will go wrong in the 2200 to 2600 range. For the price I am happy with the Hughes converter.

I have a 383 that puts out 500 HP @ 5500 RPM and 500 ft-lbs TQ @ 4300 RPM. I am also using a Hughes converter. So far I am happy with the GM25 MAX that I bought for my TH350.

[gijoecarlos]

How did the stall Torque Converter work out? Im curious. I have a truck with a Proformance cam MC1991 Rpm Range 2000-5500, Scatt 9000 crank, pro comp aluminum 200cc heads with 2.02/1.60 rockers full roller. I just got my B&M 70419 2400 stall converter for my rebuilt 700r4. My buddy is telling me its too much stall, but i think is will work just fine? Im curious of anyone is running the holeshot 2400 stall B&M converter? how do you like it?

[hugger6933]

Just make sure you have enough cooler to help keep it cool those stalls make a LOT of heat more so if your range is more than your driving RPM's. I had a 5500+500 in my old Chevelle and I had a 4500 in it before that. My car weighed about the same as our trucks 3860 and it would go 1.30 short time with a 2 sp. All kidding aside I would say go about 2500 to 2800 the range will end up on the shorter side with the small block. That range looks to be about where your torque is. I loved the TCI stuff I had but I am close enough to jump in the truck and carry them a converter to loosen or tighten or just tune up if needed. Jim

[TransMan1972]

I put this 700r4 with a 2800 stall TC in my 72 swb that I rebuilt myself. Works great in town plus on the highway I am not turning 3K RPM's at 70 MPH....Just a thought

Also, I used the K case which is used in most 4x4's because they are much stronger in the bell housing area along with the 6 bolt cover which adds a bit more strength.