Creativeindy

Want to upgrade to a stall converter due to drivability with the cam and everything.

Was just looking for .02's when it comes to which size to get really. I have stock bottom end 455 with 262/268 cam, 77cc Edelbrock Heads, performer intake, Edelbrock 800 Carb, everything else is the usual bolt on's or stock setup. Tranny is TH400, diff is 3.43.

I want to be able to turn the idle up a tad so it runs better and doesn't surge at stop signs. It's all I can do to drive it any more due to surging as I have idle down to 800. Was thinking a 2500 but wanted to get thoughts. I don't want to go to small and I def don't want to go to big since this will be about the extent of my mods left. Remember this IS a daily driven Oldsmobile. Need a new rear diff...4400 RPM at 75mph sucks...at least that's what the tic toc says. LOL

Mikes65

I have a 22-2500 on my TH400 with 433 hp and 466 tq and I like the way it drives-no surging but the normal slight pull away at idle after the brakes let go. It is a B and M hole shot I believe. It depends mostly on the torque of the engine which stall you go with.22-2500 is good for 450-500ftlbs

jfb

call mondello and speak to lynn this is a very touchy area. jfb

ihengineer76

Performance Torque Converters out of Alabama has a good product at a good price. Call them and they can help you decide. I ordered a 10 inch with anti balloon plate and 2700 stall for $375. The 4500 rpm at 75 seems a little high. I have 3.42's and only turn about 3500 at that speed with a TH350.

oldcutlass

Call who? I would decide on what manufacturer you want to go with, call the tech line, tell them the specifics about the engine/trans/gear ration, and how your going to use your car. They will recommend what torque converter to use.

joe_padavano

Bottom line is that for street use you want the lowest stall speed converter that lets the car idle acceptably. This isn't a dedicated drag car that launches at five grand. 2200-2400 is probably the highest I'd go. The higher the stall speed, the more the converter slips and the worse your highway RPMs will be. This is a great application for a switch-pitch converter. I had one in a 71 Cutlass that I connected to the brake light switch. Foot on the brake and stall speed was 2400. Foot off the brake and it was 1800.

droldsmorland

I'm currently running a "Breakaway" from TCI with a G block 400. For a Big Block its rated at 2400-2600. With my cam, W30 like grind, rear gear is a 308, Trans is a TCI Street Fighter TH400. Rear wheel HP dynoed at 396. This particular car is my favorite weekend worrier. It flashes the converter nicely launches great shifts hard and has decent highway manors...though Id love an OD. A G.V. OD is next?
Check out Jegs. Your cam falls at the top end for the Saturday Night Special and at the low end for the Breakaway. So your choice. Like Joe said a little lower may be what you want, though I dont have any drivability issues but my cams a little bigger and the rear gears are a little shorter than yours. If its a daily driver go smaller.

jensenracing77

and i have one but it is a long tail transmission. sit since 1974 so it will need rebuilt.

a side question, what are the 2 stall speeds for the switch pitch? or are there different ones?

droldsmorland

jensen,
Google "what is a switch pitch Oldsmobile transmission" It will bring you to the other 442 site with a full explanation. Joe and Bob did the write up.

Creativeindy

There would only be 1 reason I would call Mondello and it wouldn't be to order parts, buy parts, shoot the **** or in any way shape or form ask for help.

joe_padavano

Well, despite the way they are advertised, torque converters do not have a fixed stall speed. The actual stall speed will depend on the torque of the engine. In any case, a stock TH400 switch pitch will stall around 1600-1800 at low stall and 2200-2400 at high stall. The Jetaway converter will retrofit to the TH400 and is a little smaller in diameter, which will increase the stall speeds.