I will be buying a 4L60E soon that is built pretty well (can take 500+ HP) and I can either get it with a 1200 or 2000 stall converter.

It will be used with a LT1 that should be making around 410HP to the wheels.


I have a Borg Warner 9-bolt with 3.27 gears.

I really don't know much about torque converters.. this car will be a daily driver so I'm looking for the best converter for this application. What do I need?

 

Your converter should be matched to your total combo...cam, heads, gearing, ect. The intended usage is important too, theres always a compromise between speed and reliability. If you don't drive it on long highway trips and having the best 1/4 mile time possible is important to you go with a higher stall. If you want the most reliable setup and don't want to worry about heat problems shortening the live of the trans and converter go with a lower stall.
I don't know your total combo but with 410RWHP your LT1 is pretty stout and probaby best suited for 3.73-4.10 gears and 3000-3500 stall for maximum performance. But since this is a daily driver I would go conservative on the torque converter especially if you plan on keeping the 3.27 gears....I would suggest a 2500stall and a quality trans cooler. That would be a good compromise, decent performance but you wouldn't have to worry too much about heat build up as long as you have a good trans cooler.
I would also suggest you call several manufacturers tech lines and tell them your total combo and see what they recommend...its always good to gather all the info/opinions that you can.

 

What about a 2000 or 1200 stall?

With the transmission that I'm getting, I can get either one for free.

This is NOT going to be primarily a race car, but I don't want it to be bogged down. Would I need a trans cooler with a 2000 stall?



Hmm... anyone know what the factory stall converter is with a 700 r4?

 

if you look on your converter, look for a sticker with 4 digits, the second digit is E=1654, F=1611, G=1397, i just pulled mine from 91 z28 w/305, its an E

 

If you want to get one for free and have to choose between 2000 or 1200, I would definately go for the 2000. And to be on the safe side, get a trans cooler that way you won't have to worry about it ever heating up. They don't cost that much and are easy to install, its definately worth it.