I recently was about to install a transgo shift kit, but when i dropped the pan I discovered what was left of the clutches in the pan So i figured i should throw in a torque converter while its out for a rebuild. The motor is a 86 LB9, I just ordered a set of trickflow heads that will be going on it and I have a lunati voodoo cam ima stab in it as well, (256/262 advertised duration). The rear is a 3.27 9 bolt posi, tires are stock p235-60-R15's. My question is what torque converter would be optimal for this setup? It will be a daily driver and maybe some time at the strip. I was looking at jegs.com and TCI recomends the saturday night special or the sizzler converter with that cam. The stall speed is 1,600 - 1,800 with the saturday night special and 1,500 - 1,700 with the sizzler. Does this seem a little low? I know yank makes good ones but if i recall they are crazy expensive... same with the vigilante's. Also I think i read somewhere that I shouldnt use anything under a 10" converter because it will overheat in daily driving conditions, does this sound right?

 

With any converter that has a higher stall speed than stock, you should always run an external trans cooler for good insurance. Any stall converter creates more heat in the transmission. Looking at your engine specs, I wouldn't go any higher than about 2400 stall. If you want a good quality converter that's not quite as expensive as the Vigilante or Yank, take a look at Midwest, Continental, or Hughes. Stay away from B&M converters. Heard lots of bad things about those. Incidentally, I don't trust TCI much more than B&M. Make sure whatever converter you choose still has the lockup feature, or you'll lose your overdrive. If that's really the advertised duration of the new cam you're putting in, and not the duration at .050, you're probably better off getting a stall speed between 1800-2000.

 

i'd opt for the 1998 S10 4.3L 2WD stock coverter,it should stall around 2200-2400 and can be purchased at any parts store readily. I think I paid around $160-175 for one when I put it in a buddies car.