what is a good Torque converter for the 700r4 ? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

Stress026 · 07-05-2009, 11:59 PM

Hey guys ..im planning on rebuilding my tranny and was wondering what Torque converter should i get ? At the moment i have a 90 camaro with a 383 stroker and 373 gears in the rear..Any help would be great im guessing something too handle at least 450 too 500hp is what i need ..Thanks again

BigWhiteGTP · 07-06-2009, 02:10 AM

VIGILANTE!!!!!

My bro sports Performabuilt and swears by it in his LT1. If/when I get a stall, I might give one of those a try. Vigilantes are the best, but really pricey.

TKOPerformance · 07-07-2009, 02:08 PM

Vigilante does make a great converter and if you want a high stall lockup they're about the only game in town. If you go non-lockup Continental makes a good converter for about half of what a Vigilante is going to run you. I run one behind my 383 with no problems.

arrowcamaro · 07-07-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TKOPerformance

Vigilante does make a great converter and if you want a high stall lockup they're about the only game in town.

Dont forget "Edge", or "Yank" converters. They offer durable high stall lockups too.

Ya really cant go wrong with vig, edge, or yank. All 3 are high quality converters.

skinny z · 07-07-2009, 08:42 PM

No one likes TCI?

TKOPerformance · 07-07-2009, 10:21 PM

Not per se, I just don't have any personal experience with TCI. I've heard good things from some well respected members here. I will also add that I've had several B&M converters over the years that all performed well, and the cost was pretty reasonable. They don't really offer higher stall lockups though. I think their highest is like 2,800.

skinny z · 07-07-2009, 10:30 PM

I use their 243106 Street Fighter which is a 10" convertor with a 12" lock up assembly. You're right in that the stall isn't that high at only 1500 rpm over stock. I can get between 3000 and 3500 rpm flash stall.
Unfortunately, I've smoked the lock up clutch and have to send it back to TCI for repair. Maybe a word to the wise regarding lock ups and high performance applications.

TKOPerformance · 07-07-2009, 10:52 PM

That's why the Vigilantes and Yanks are so expensive. They use a really good lockup clutch to prevent that. It's like the Diesel converters I've got my eye on that tip the scales at over a grand. Nice, but how much is it going to be worth in the 1/4?

skinny z · 07-08-2009, 07:21 PM

I'd say nothing as far as 1/4 mile times are concerned. My lock up doesn't engage until the 4th gear applied switch is made anyway (although I've provided for a manual over ride). However , at cruising speeds on the highway I'm sure it's at least partly responsible for 27 mpg (CDN). That and tuning with a wide band O2 gauge.

Stress026 · 07-08-2009, 10:24 PM

Thanks for the help guys im new with these Torque converter but i think i'll save up for a Vigilante ...Only question i have now is what's a good stall for the 383 ? This will be mainly for street use .

3rdgenmaro · 07-09-2009, 08:37 AM

got to give alot more detail for a stall recommendation

for instance, cam specs? car weight?

skinny z · 07-09-2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3rdgenmaro

got to give alot more detail for a stall recommendation

for instance, cam specs? car weight?

The idea is to have a stall speed that matches the torque peak of your combination and other vehicle characteristics as 3rdgenmaro suggests.

DNSTA · 07-09-2009, 11:18 AM

1 vote for Edge. Got a nice 10" piece with 3000 stall and lockup. Thought it had a problem so I called Edge and they were really good about everything. Took the converter back, opened it up, inspected it, and sent it back to me. My mistake, it wasn't the converter but the flywheel and they didn't charge me a thing. Great guys and a solid product.