Hey guys, I'm looking to purchase a new lockup torque converter for my 700r4 to go behind my 383. In the process of installing a new transmission after I shelled the last one out. Based on my research (cam/engine specs/etc.) I need lock up in the 2,500 rpm range which will handle around 450hp/450tq without issue. I wish price was not an issue but I need to try to get one for $500 or less. What's the best brands, TCI, Hughes, B&M, Thor (Monster), something else? I really need to get this car back on the road asap. What's your experiences and is the hot ticket? Thanks for the input.

 

i have a yank 3600ss converter and love it! out of your price range new but should be close if you find a used one. i got mine used with only 100 miles on it. i paid 600 shipped

 

Check out Dana at pro built automatics got recommendation he is the best resource for 700R4's

 

if yer drag racing (not road racing or autocross) i'd go higher on the stall speed, u have 450 lb ft, go 3000, you'd be surprised at how driveable they are.

 

I'm running a 3.42:1 rear gear ratio. With a 28in tire that puts me at around 2200 RPM cruising down the highway at around 65. You guys that are running the 3000 RPM stall converters, do you find if that gives you any problems with the lock up converter being utilized at highway speeds, while spinning a lower RPM?

 

Lockup on the highway won't be any different with an aftermarket converter than it will stock. At about 48 mph at light throttle, it will lock up. 2500 stall or 4000 stall. No difference once they're locked.

For 450 HP, I wouldn't run any of the converters you mention. Stick with Circle D or Yank. The Yank SS3600 is a very streetable converter for that power level. Circle D has similar stall ranges. Either one is going to set you back around $800-900. But they're a) stronger, more reliable and b) more streetable. Less rubber band feeling and just flat out better built.

A good torque converter will be your favorite mod.
A bad torque converter will make you hate driving your car......Spend the extra.

 

My Trans (built by Ligenfelter in 92) has a 10" B&M Holeshot 3000/3500 non-locking converter and it works excellent. For what it's worth.

GD

 

Right in your price range:
https://protorque.com/product/sm-2004r-700r4-27-spline/

I run a protorque convertor. If your going to drive it on the street with 3.42s a good stall would be 24-2800.

 

Note that if you go to a much higher stall converter, you WILL need tuning. My experience with both my higher stall converters and both $6E as well as EBL has been they don't have nearly enough AE for the engine acceleration seen when you go to rapid WOT and the RPM's have to climb dramatically higher to get up against the converter. You will get detonation from the lean acceleration and the ECM will pull a $hitload of timing which often has the effect of causing more detonation as the cylinder temps go wild from the lean and the detonation and the lack of timing. It can cause run-away detonation till you lift the throttle. Besides not being very good for your engine, it kills the acceleration.

GD

 

I used a good but inexpensive 2500 stall converter for years. then I bought a yank 3600 stall converter. if youre not getting into the throttle that higher stall yank drove almost like a stock converter. especially with the granny low of a 700r4. also it has a very positive feel in lock up. drive down the highway at 2000 rpms all day and never misses a beat. im changing transmissions this winter so mine will probably be for sale. ill add that it should probably be sent in and flushed before it used again.

 

I have liked Edge racing converters for relatively mid price level stuff. Think they are still around

 

+1 for Edge converters. My 3500 stall drove like stock behind my 406.

 

me too. I had a long chat with Dana at ProBuilt Automatics a few years ago when I bought my pro street elite 700r4 from him. He had a lot of questons and he felt that a 2,600 rpm Edge Racing converter with anti-balooning plates in it would be best. thats what I ordered and that is what I have in my car.

THE CONVERTER MAY BE UP FOR SALE in December of 2019 when I pull the motor. I will most likely need something in the 3,000 rpm range.

 

I haven't actually installed my TC yet, but I bought this one. You mentioned $500. so this might be just what you are looking for.

#PTGM18/245

This is the next step for those needing a higher stall converter than can be achieved with the 298MM torque converter as used in the 2004R,700R4, 4l60E and 4L65E.

$606.67

$487.77

You save $118.90 (20%)!

This converter can be built with stall speeds ranging from 2800 to over 4500rpm. We use a special clutch in this converter that has more surface area than even the larger 298MM converter and a special heavy duty dampener with hardened splines. The converter features Torrington bearings and a heavy duty sprag, full furnace brazing and tig reinforced fins, anti ballooning plate and hardened turbine splines. These are custom built to your specifications and fully computer balanced. A very strong and reliable converter that gives you incredible acceleration potential and still retains the converter clutch for easy, low heat highway cruising.
http://www.phoenixtrans.com/catalog/ptgm18245/
Phoenix Trans also has a great tech article here: http://www.phoenixtrans.com/tech/

 

Pheonix makes a nice converter no doubt. I had one in the 4L85E in my Express van. It was a new in-box $400 craigslist score. I bought it to replace the factory converter that had a slipping lockup clutch. Problem is it was built for a 6.0L on nitrous in a light vehicle with deep gearing. The STR ratio was abismal despite stalling 2,800 rpm behind my mild cammed 350 Vortec. The heavy stock converter stalling at only 2,300 rpm had more off the line jump. Stock converter would light the tires off under 1/2 throttle and the Pheonix wouldn't. I was slightly quicker 0-60 unloaded with the Pheonix but with the travel trailer it sucked.Even with a massive trans cooler after the in-radiator cooler it ran hot at slow speeds. That being said even though it was the wrong converter it never hiccuped even pulling my travel trailer with WOT lockups. With the new 383 I am going with a FTI 2,800 rpm with as high of a STR as possible and triple disc lockup clutch that will handle locking at WOT with the torque of the 383.

With the exception of the input hub the converter pictured looks identical to what went into my 4L85E.

 

I had a stock Daaco reman 4.3/4L80E van converter behind my 350.


This was with the Pheonix. Definately had better throttle response and less RPM drop during the shifts. But was a major DOG off the line compared to the high str dual stator 4.3 converter.


Both runs were with the same 5,150 rpm upshifts, 3.73 gears and 30.5" tall 20s.

 

Damn, a 1 ton van that accelerates that good - you weren't kidding in your posts.