Torque Converter Selection

[Cudajason]

Hey guys,

I have 2 big purchases left for my A500 install (I hope), Flex plate and Torque Converter.

The flex pate is easy, I am going to go with the BM flex plate for my 360 so I can used a neutral balance converter.

As far as the converter, that is where I could use some help, I am not sure I have figured out the science behind picking the right one.

As a recap here is my set up:

74 Cuda
360 LA
9:1 compression (nothing crazy)
Dual plane intake (Performer RPM) and 750 Vac Secondary Holly
Voodoo 702 cam
Advertised Duration: 262 int./268 exh.
Duration at 050 inch Lift: 220 int./226 exh.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.475 int./0.494 exh.
Lobe Separation (degrees): 112
Basic Operating RPM Range: 1,400-5,700 

A-500 transmission

Rear gears are currently 3.23, but I am considering 3.55 or 3.90s as my next project.
Running 255/60 R15s. (26 inches tall).

The car will not likely ever see the track, and will be used for local cruising and hopefully some long hauls trips...like Carlisle next year!

I was thinking that a converter with a 2000 stall would work well with my combo, which I would guess is higher then the stall for the stock converter.

Here is my concern....based on an online calculator I found, my cruise RPM at 70 MPH in OD and the 3.23 should be right at 2000.  3.55s would bump that up to 2200.  Once the lock up is engaged, that should drop the RPM under 2000.

If I am reading things correctly on the internet, having your stall speed higher than your cruise RPM should not be a problem, as you are cruising at part throttle.

So what do you guys think, is a 2000 stall the right call here?  will it work with the 3.22 and the 3.55 or even 3.90s if I go that way?

Jason

[73_Cuda_4_Me]

Jason,

On my 73 340, I have a mild cam, headers, A41 overdrive from SST, 3.23 with locker, and 26 inch Cooper Cobras on 14 inch rims...

I selected the 2600-2900 stall torque converter option on the SST Perfect Fit kit, which has a lockup TC...

I am glad I went with the higher stall, and wouldn't change back down for anything....

JMHO

[Cudajason]

Wow that high!  No issues with the low cruise RPM?

@73_Cuda_4_Me

[73_Cuda_4_Me]

No issues whatsoever... We mostly cruise around here in West Michigan, only occasionally jumping out on expressway... I have the lockup TC set to lock above 55 mph... when I hit a hill and give it over 10 percent more throttle, it unlocks and away we go...

The TC starts gripping at normal rpm, so if you aren't on a hill, and you aren't stomping into the throttle, it takes off normally...

Most of our cruising is very mild... my wife wouldn't have it any other way.. Now, on solo cruise trips, it is a little more exciting bopping around...

[Chryco Psycho]

from the cam perspective 2000 is fine as the cam works from 1400 rpm up 

[Cudajason]

from the cam perspective 2000 is fine as the cam works from 1400 rpm up 

@Chryco Psycho does it make sense to go any higher the 2000???? 

Jason

[Katfish]

I went low budget and found a rebuilt TC from Advanced Auto for only $80.
The factory converters stall around 2200-2400, works great with my set-up.
I'm turning 1800 rpm at 60mph
Get the higher stall, it only reacts when you stomp on it, no issue when not under load.

[Chryco Psycho]

Sure Jason , I would go 2500 for sure If & only if you have a lock up converter that will eliminate slippage at highway speeds as you will be under the converter at 70 MPH