Is using the S10 converter really a good idea? Would I be just as well off to stick w my stock converter? I would like a bit more stall, but my budget won't allow for a real stall converter. I'm torn here as to what I should do. I've put a transGo kit in the 700R4, but I'm using a stock grind LT1 cam. I'm not gonna be racing this thing on a regular basis anyway, just mainly a cruiser. I just don't want to put the S10 converter in and decide I really shouldn't have done that.

 

No. It's about like using the Vega converter was a few years ago. Yeah, it stalls higher; yeah, it feels good, once; but will you win? No. Will it last? No. Is it "the best" way to go? No.

No. Not if you want yoru car to run better.

There's this wonderful innovation concept that's been recently introduced since the financial meltdown. Perhaps you've heard of it? It's called the "savings account". It's a forking MIRACLE: all you gotta do, is put a little money in every week (gotta be EVERY week) and leave it there, doesn't have to be a whole lot or anything, try starting out with like $20 or so; after a few months, you'll be ASTOUNDED at what you see happening. It will absolutely bumfuzzle, confusticate, and bebother you, but in a good way. Learn it. Live it. Love it. It will solve ALL KINDS of problems for you, seemingly by magic.

 

Lol I love how direct you are. I'm still chuckling at the savings account bit haha. I do have a savings account w a substantial amount of $ in it, but I have future plans for that so I'm trying not to touch it. I've read about others using the S10 converter, but never read about how it was holding up for anyone and you confirmed my fears. I've had some experience w the vega converter and IMO it sucks... I found this out the hard way in a 66 Chevy truck w a big block. I'm about ready to drop my engine back in, but I guess realistically I just need to wait a few more months and buy a good quality converter. Any suggestions on stall speed and brand?

 

Before I would suggest a brand and stall rpm, what combo do you have?
And what are you future plans?

 

My combo is 305, 9.5 comp hyper pistons, 416 heads p&p, complete TPI p&p, Factory LT1cam w 1.5 RR's, 700R4 trans w transGo kit, and 342 gears. My plans are for me, my wife, and daughters to get in kick the A/C on and drive it anywhere. I might take it to the track here and there, but no real racing plans.

 

Edge makes a decent 12" HD torque converter for $325. Give Dana @ Probuilt a shout and see if he can steer you in the right direction.

 

Ok, thanks. I'll give them a call.

 

Sounds to me like you should leave it as it is. Just my .02

 

3rdgenmaro. You think I'd be better leaving the stock converter in. Why? I really dnt know what I should do. I read where members say even a stock car will benefit from a good converter. I was thinking a aftermarket converter would soften the transGo kit a bit when driving in town and such?

 

Not enough cam or rear gear for a loose converter imo.

 

Yea I figured not for a real high one. I was thinking like 2-25? I was asking about the S10 because if it stalled a little and was dependable it might be just what I need, but sofakingdom says it would be like the old vega converter and that's definitely not what I want.

 

If you are not racing for et's you do not need a converter on that setup. If you do want more fun out of the combo for spirited driving on street then do a basic stall upgrade like edge converter. 2400-2800 stall. Retain lockup. Converters are fun

 

You said it OR89RocZ. Spirited driving. So you recommend an edge converter 24-28 and I will definitely stay w a lockup.

 

Yeah something around 2500 ish would be good for you. I was street strip with an L98 with edge 2800 custom. Ran very well. Good converters

 

Ok, awsome. I will definitely check into an edge converter.

 

Yes....But the separator plate on your transmission can have different sized holes drilled in it for various shift firmness. When I got my TransGo from ProBuilt Automatics, there was a section on there for normal, firmer, and firmest.

Dana's instructions said to use "normal" for cars with stock converters and "firmer" for cars with 10" and smaller converters. No mention of using "firmest."

Getting back to your original question. I would just stay with the stock converter. For the hassle of pulling a transmission, I would only do that if I were going to do a real stall.

 

I already have the transGo kit installed on the " normal" setup. I've installed these kits in a couple of different vehicles before and my experience is "normal" is still pretty firm. The engine and tranny are both out of the car now.

 

Eh Im just a debbie downer I guess. That edge converter linked earlier wouldnt be bad. I wouldnt waste my time with an S10 converter though, thats where my post came from. Atleast the edge has thought put into it for its intended use.

 

Aftermarket stall converter will also heat your tranny fluid more, and should be accompanied by an aftermarket cooler.

Again, with your cam and gears, I would not go bigger then stock.

If you are determined to get a looser converter, call anyone of the big brands and ask for a recommendation.

 

I wouldn't say I'm determined to put one in. I thought while I had the engine and tranny out would definitely be a good time to do it for sure. I originally asked about the S10 converter because I had read where people had used them, but I have never seen where anybody had posted how it was actually holding up. I not one to cheap out on things and cut corners and that's why I was asking if the S10 was a good idea. If I stick w the factory converter I can have the car back together in just a few weeks, if I go w an aftermarket converter it'll be a few months. I had originally asked about the S10 because I can get one "cheap", but didn't know if it would be wortha a **** and apparently its not and I definitely dnt want it in there if its no good.

 

I also always run an aftermarket cooler stall converter or not.

 

No worries!