oldspower_68

First off thanks for any input and help that is given. I know this is the most misunderstood and most confusing part of a car. I have a pretty good grasp on the logic behind stall speed and torque converters. Im looking for input from others that have tried diffrent converters. I'm trying to decide on a stall speed to pick for my 200r4(don't worry its built). I have a 68 cutlass, 493 stroker. edelbrock heads, 10.5:1 compression, lunati cam 284/292 duration, rpm range 2400-6200,Duration @ .050 (Int/Exh): 241/24, Gross Valve Lift (Int/Exh): .539/.555 (cam suggests 3-3500 stall). 3.90 gears. I mostly drive street. I am going to get a lockup converter so heat(from slippage) shouldn't be an issue while cruising. also multiport fuel injected. should I go with a 3000 stall. I know the motor is a little radical for a street car but Ive had the car 15 years since I was 16 and wanted to show off. now I'm in the middle of a frame off resto and just want to cruise but still have some grunt. again thanks for any advice.

alek72us

I have about the same set up but with 4.10 gears and i'm going with a 3000 stall converter. if u go with anything higher u have more a problem trying to leave nicely from a stop. i would stick with the 2800-3200 stall sizes.

TripDeuces

Torque is not going to be your problem so I would tend to dumb it down on the street. I'd suggest 2500-3000. I use a Switch Pitch in mine with 1800 lo and 3200 hi. Even my 330ci is down right brutal with it and I know it's not seeing 3200 (no tach atm so I don't know exactly). It just doesn't have the torque to turn it higher. Your 493 on the other hand is going to have torque for days and with 3.90 gears you'll end up blowing the tires off it.

oldspower_68

ya I've always had a problem with traction. Previously had a th350 with 2400 stall and a spool. still never had traction. But now I'll have a posi unit and a 295 rear tire so hopefully i'll get a little more traction. I just want to pick a converter that on normal take off its not going to roast the tires.

TripDeuces

Here's another way of looking at it. With that cam I'm sure your torque peak is probably in the 3500-4000 range. At 3000 stall you're probably looking at 70-80% of that with it coming up quick. That amount of torque with that gearing is a tremendous amount if you actually do the math. You're still going to have traction problems. I guess my point is if this a street car you're not going to need a big converter. I would shoot for the lower side of things. It will be more enjoyable in the long run.

oldspower_68

thanks for the input thats kinda what I was thinking too

oldcutlass

I would call what ever torque converter company you decide to use and explain to them what you are trying to accomplish. Tell them your setup and cam specs and see what they recommend also!

67Olds442X2

I got the same Cam (60805) but using 1:7 to 1 rockers, same gearing, a little more compression, iron heads and I'm using a Hughes 3,000 stall. I called them and that's what they recommended. I try to take it easy because my 225/70R-14 tires will melt. Borderline street mannered.

oldspower_68

thanks for the input