Hey Folks,

I've always had manual transmissions on my 'fun' cars, so I'm new to this. I just got done installing a total new build on my 72 Cutlass, and hate my current tq. converter. The daily driving habits are no good, slips too much. However, when getting on the power, it does great. I'm looking for a unit with a bit more street-ability at light throttle and hwy. I ordered the converter TCI recommended with the trans I bought from them, but I dont like it.

My current transmission: https://www.tciauto.com/super-street...e-pontiac.html

My current tq. converter: https://www.tciauto.com/streetfighte...t-lock-up.html

My engine is a Olds 350 block, bored/stroked/built by Mark R. 434ci displacement. Choppy idle, larger hydaulic lifter style cam. Engine Dyno had it around 520hp/580tq.

I have a 9in rear end with 3.90 gears.

Let me know if you need more data so I can narrow down the right choice on a new converter! I really appreciate it.

 

Don’t EVER get an over the counter converter for an engine you’ve actually spent money on.
Get something made for your combo. Converters are such a big part of performance and drivability.

Sounds like you need some stall in a “tight” package.
Call Lenny at Ultimate, or anyone reputable and discuss your package(power, TQ, curve, weight, gears, intent)…and let them build or recommend the ideal unit for your application. And…it’s not much more money at all. That page tells you nothing about unit.
You’ll be happier, trust me.

-peter

 

I agree - and lesson learned. Thanks for the tip, any website / contact info for Lenny/Ultimate?

 

If the data helps - here is the engine dyno sheet of the engine - and below that is the dyno numbers and as you can see, no power is laying to the ground below 4.5k RPM. It's a slug unless I'm romping on it.

I mean, 150whp at 3,600rpm? Eesh.

 

Ultimate Converter Concepts. My th350 converter came from him and it's *fantastic*. Worked exactly as he said it would. Just be clear on the engine and what you do with the car. A converter for the strip is completely different than a converter for the street. Way-back-when I used the TCI Saturday Night Special, which is better suited for the street than their Street Fighter series. But you're at that interesting intersection where there's a whole lot more power, but you want it to behave in traffic. Also be clear with him on the idle characteristics. I think that's the biggest change. It used to be that a 500hp engine would idle at 1200 rpm with 8" vacuum, so a 3500+ stall converter was totally appropriate. Not so anymore. I also personally prefer tighter converters, in the mid to upper 2000's stall. Our engines make plenty of low torque so no need to wind them way up to get moving.

Bear in mind that a custom converter costs more than a shelf converter. Lenny is a little expensive, but IMO his prices are fair for a th350 converter.
https://www.ultimateconverter.com/

 

Excellent advice. There are so many variables in converter design, engine builds and application, no off the shelve converter will be right for every application.

I bet that “3500” converter is closer to 3800-4000. I bet it would be 3500 behind a mild 350. That same converter would probably be closer to 4000 behind a big block.

A custom converter isn’t much more than a off the shelf unit, but well worth the money.

 

Thanks for the input everyone. I reached out to Lenny @ Ultimate, and will be giving them a call sometime this next week to see what he has to say.

 

Good. I think you’ll be happy.
The last converter I bought from him was on the edge of street & strip. He built me a 3400 stall that was very tight.
It was perfect on the street and got my 3870lb. Car down to 11.01
He’s good.
-peter

 

Thats great - looking forward to posting some updates!