Anybody know of an aftermarket converter I can use with my SP TH400? I'm looking for something in the 3,000 stall range. I had purchased a Hughes GM30 converter but it wouldn't install correctly, input shaft didn't fit. Thanks. The more I read up on this I'm starting to lean towards just keeping what I got, doesn't look like any aftermarket converters exist.

 

Call around to the different manufacturers tech lines - someone shoud have it, as there's still many in use today.

 

Thanks. I'll do that. I'm sure it's a special order item.

 

Basically, in laymans language, you are eliminating the function of a SP converter when going with a hi-stall unit. The need for SP in a hi-stall essentially no longer exists! Buy the stall converter you want and go with it. About the fit? I am not too knowledgeable about how it fits, but I can say that the guy that rebuilt my 67 SP trans changed out the front pump and removed those "innards" that were associated with the SP? Maybe he had to change the pump in order for a regular style hi-stall converter would fit? Maybe someone else can explain that better? Chime in please!!

 

You are exactly right. You can convert a switch pitch trans to a normal one (and vice versa) by changing the pump and converter and removing/adding the second solenoid valve. If you do change a SP to regular, by all means save the SP parts. Apparently PAE Enterprises, the most recent company to sell the conversion parts, has gone out of business.

 

B&M states that to use one of their converters you need to "change the pump and input shaft to fixed pitch type". I'm sure other companies require that too. If at all possible, I don't want to do that. I'm hoping someone still makes converters that will work. Need to check E-bay also. Worst case I'll just put the stock one in, it stalls at 2500-2800 roughly at the high end. Course I'd have to wire it up to always be on the high side. Don't know. Wish my block had the clutch ball provision, I'd be going a different route.

 

Thanks for the replies, you guys type faster then me. Looks like pump changing might happen. Hopefully not expensive. The Ron Sessions book is expensive last time I checked on Amazon, over $100. I assume my stock setup probably won't work?
The Ron Sessions book is between $250 and $500 now, are these folks insane.

 

Pumps are about 100 bucks, doable, thought they would be more. Looks like I'll be converting to fixed pitch. Will save the SP parts for sure.

Another question is the input shaft, does it need changing as well? I've read different opinions. I figure it would need changing if going from fixed to variable but maybe not going from variable to fixed. Also, maybe I should just keep what I got and wire the high side into the brake switch.

 

What are those parts worth? I've got all of mine in a box on the shelf in the shop. They are all good as they came out of an operating tranny. BTW - I do have the SP converter too! I may be interested in selling!!

 

I was surprised to see that PAE Enterprises went out of business. I just had my own S/P converter rebuilt by them last year. Cost me $300. I still have Jim's phone number so here it is. Maybe he can still be contacted.

Jim Burek PAE (switch pitch) - 915 855-6009 fax 915 855-2424

 

I'm getting a pump, input shaft and converter from Hughes. I'll just stash the S/P parts away I guess. My transmission must have been worked on before cause my pan had two dimples not the tell tail three with an added heel print.

 

Joe anybody try Dacco Inc out of Cookeville, TN? Their # is:1-800-443-2226. I talked to a "Monty" @ extension 4228. He says they keep B-1, B-2, and B-3 type S-P convertors on the shelf. He says they are all under $100. I about fainted. Had my OG TH400 fixed for leaks and my solenoid checked. Everything was fine but no S-P. Can hear solenoid (bothS-P and kickdown) seperately. Switch on firewall good & harness good. It lit the bright side of a tail/brake light bulb that I use for testing amp/current. Me suspects orface in front pump may have gotten covered up. No pressure, hence no S-P. What do you think?

George Landis
Robertsdale, AL
251-945-1966

 

Get in touch with Jim Weise of Tri-Shield Performance. He will fix you right up with whatever will work best for you. Jim knows these transmissions inside-out and is the owner of the V8Buick.com site. He built my converter (S-P 400) and was great to work with.
www.trishieldperformance.com

BTW, I have my old PAE S-P converter for sale cheap if anyone is interested.

 

Some good switch-pitch reading material:

http://www.buickperformance.com/SPTrans.htm

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=143723

 

After you read the links you might decide to keep the SP torque converter setup! I personally think that the ST300 setup was a bit on the anemic side, however I like the T400 setup, because you have the best of all worlds. These transmissions have great potential!