Recommendations for torque converter ?

[scruff]

Has anyone got any reccomendations for a good company to get a custom Torque Converter from ?

I want to loosen it up just because my 51 will be so much lighter than the Expo it will pick up a lot of zip off the line with a better converter.

I'd like it to stall higher (obviously) and still lock up like an original on the highay.

Also , roller rockers as people have recommended I will be getting some 1.7's - do the GT40P heads take big or small studs ? Is there one brand more preferable to another ?

Hit me with your wisdom people.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I know jtsmith (Jon) got his converter from Art Carr & it was custom built. It was not cheap.

 

[tmsoko]

Precision Industries (www.converter.com) makes excellent converters. For the weight of the truck, you would want a 10.5" vs 9.5" stallion converter for 4R70W / AODE trans. Single disk lockup is fine unless you plan to lock the converter at WOT on the strip.

 

[Turdle]

I recommend before you do anything-to call Art Carr and talk with a technician-
http://www.artcarr.com/page/home.acpp

He will explain the other factor-better known as "flash speed" which is the point the converter starts actually MULTIPLYING torque. Then he will explain how he will build yours to flash where you want-and lock up-
They also use a billet housing, the studs are machined as part of the unit

this is the one I have
https://www.artcarr.com/merchandise/details/20/391.acpp

I'm not familiar with the company tmsoko recommended, but I can assure you his advice is good also-


I had a TCI , it was merely a modded stock converter--as are the B&M converters


OK-now we've gone and opened another can of worms---

 

[CDW6212R]

There are a short number of good TC builders. I had heard good things about a newer company called Edge Racing. The model typical for a high performance 302 was about $570 a couple of years ago. Look at them also, just know that nothing for under about $400-500 will be much better than stock. Good luck,
http://www.edgeracingconverters.com/products.html

 

[scruff]

Cool, thats three good leads to check out. I read the blurb on the Prescision site and it sounds perfect, and I love the idea of being able to actually talk to someone like at Art Carrs.

I will definately check out all three when the time comes.

Nothing makes an auto feel more like a hotrod than a good torque converter to me. If you have to drive an auto that is.

Now where is my fairey godmother with all the cash ?

 

[Maniak]

When I needed a converter I checked out Hughes. Unfortunatly, I couldn't afford one of their really low stall converters (I need 1200 stall) but they seem to have all kinds of different models (stock to wild), and are willing to talk to you which is a big plus in my book.

~Mark

 

[Spdrcer34]

I had a custom made Convertor from Hughes. This was put behind nearly 500 ft.lbs of torque by way of a Small Block Oldsmobile.

I talked to the rep, gave him every bit of information they asked me...weight, cam, gears, intake, head flow....EVERYTHING.....

I told him I wanted 2800 stall convertor....and I got EXACTLY that....I couldn't have been happier.

Hughes are AWESOME. But you'll pay for it.....I have never personally ran an Art Carr, but there are quite a few of the Turbo Regal/Grand National guys running them, and are VERY happy with them.

Ryan

 

[CDW6212R]

FYI, there is a used Art Carr 10" converter on eBay right now. I was browsing for 4R70W parts. It has one day and five hours or so left, it may be a decent choice. Good luck,http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/10-I...ryZ63692QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[tmsoko]

PI only custom builds the converters to the specifications you provide them. They will build around usage, truck wieght, engine torque, requested or recommended stall, etc.. They are a little expensive, but worth it!

 

[CDW6212R]

PI has been around for a little while, they were the new business in the early 90's. These names mentioned here are all well known brands and have similar prices.

 

[scruff]

Damnit !

I've been away and didn't see that Ebay auction in time. It went for $132 !!
I could have had a bargain !
It doesn't say if it's a lock up one or not, but it would have been a steal either way.

 

[CDW6212R]

It had an Art Carr part number, that's all that I noticed.

 

[Turdle]

That was the good one--the L in the part number gives it away--

dang that was a good deal--

 

[scruff]

Stop rubbing it in !
I shoulda had that.

 

[CDW6212R]

I didn't know anything about it to decide for myself either. keep looking,