marc91383

I'm putting a 383 (approx 450HP) in my 91 Formula this Spring with 3.73 posi. I'm sure the stock 700R4 won't last forever, but I'm trying to figure out what converter I should put in. I was kinda looking at the TCI "Break-A-Way" or possible having a local shop build me one? (it's still going to be driven on the street) What have you guys used?

BTS88IROC

You need to find out what your peak power is so you can get what best suits the engine. But personally I would go with a vigilante, probably 2800 stall for that engine??? Maybe more, I'm just guessing, just remember you get what you pay for. Don't forget to install a tranny cooler to soak up the extra heat it will put out.

marc91383

Thanks.
I'm not familiar with that converter so I'll see what I can find out about them. I wonder how much more it would be compared to a TCI?

BTS88IROC

How much is the TCI? I'm sure the Vigilante is more expensive, but its really good quality. I think the Vigilantes run from about $700-900. You can go to: http://www.converter.com/

They should have most information you need on them there. I'm not sure if they list prices or not though.

IROCZZ3

I have a TCI Streetfighter unit right now that stalls at 2400 (more like 2000 ). I'm gonna toss it in favor of a Yank 3000 converter. They're in the same price ranges as the Vigilantes and Pro Torques (read: expen$ive). A lot of the 4th gen dudes use them with a lot of success. You'll get tired of hearing this but you do get what you pay for when it comes to converters...do it right the first time! If you go with any one of the 'big three' mentioned above, you can't go wrong. Check out Yanks website, one of the MOST informative sites I've been to. I think a lot of your questions will be answered there and they have real dyno comparisons with various models of Vig's and PT's torque converters.
www.converter.cc

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1989 IROC-Z, ZZ3 shortblock with some bolt-ons.
13.20 @ 108.69, 2.2 60'

raven350

Vigilante all the way... It is an awesome convertor.

This is one area you definitely do not want to skimp on....

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Sportsman II 72 CC heads, Pete Jackson gear drive, Performance Resources chip, Edelbrock 1 5/8" headers and Edelbrock cat back exhaust, hi-flow cats, Trans-go stage 3 shift kit, Vigilante 9.5" 2800 stall convertor, SLP cold air induction, SLP roller camshaft, 24lb ADS injectors, AFPR, 3.45 rear end gears, and other goodies...


raven

marc91383

hmmm...but is it worth spending big $$ on a converter when it will be in the stock 700R4? I'm hoping if I get a good converter that the stock trans will hold up longer. I can't afford $1,200 for a "performance" trans right now. My friend that's building the motor is telling me to run the stock 700R4 until it breaks, this coming from a guy that spent $1,700 for an 8" converter for his 74 Nova.

spud

Spend the dough on a good convertor, Not like that hasn't been stated enough. Your TQ convertor needs to be matched to your cam. If your cam doesn't start making power until 3000 rpm's then using a 2000 stall convertor will leave you extremely doggy off the line. I am talking from experience. My cam needed a 2500 convertor I had a 2000. It was sluggish off the line and the best 60 ft I had was 2.25. But it ran 83 mph in the 1/8th. 9.25 total time. Now that I got the 3000 convertor My 60 ft dropped to 1.90 and time dropped to 8.62 Over .7 second drop in just a convertor change. Ie. figure what cam you are going to use and ask the cam manufacturers techs what size converter and gearing you should use. Go with there reomendations thats what they get paid for.

Later
John

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82 Firebird,355,Cam 224/234, .466/.488,TH350 Tranny,650 HolleyDP,Hooker Headers(I.E. POS) Manual steering
Best 8th et 8.62@80mph.
NEW for 01
A 408,dart iron eagle heads,street dominator intake, 750 SD,cam 229/239, .497/.520, Also a big hole in the hood.
Shooting for 12's.

[This message has been edited by spud (edited February 14, 2001).]

marc91383

I emailed Precision Industries about which converter they recommend for my application. I'm pretty sure I'll go with the Vigilante of some sort.

John, your sig says you have a street dominator and a big hole in the hood. Is that the Holley intake that Jeg's says is 1.25" taller than stock? I'm curious if that's the intake your currently using, cause my new motor is going to have the Dart kool can intake and I'm not sure if it will clear the hood on my 91 Formula. Any thoughts if I should be hood shopping while I'm at it?