Stall Converter Recommendation

[hott85]

I made an earlier post regarding my transmission going gaput on my 85. I've done a little research and will probably settle on a Level 3 transmission from Bowtie Overdrive, mainly for durability since this will make the 5th transmission/rebuild in the 14 years I've owned my Vette.

However, I'm really confused on selecting a stall converter. Bowtie Overdrive is recommending a 2200 stall, and the guy who built my engine recommends a 2800.

The cam's duration @.050 is 216/228 and I have a stock 273 rear end. Recommendations please....

 

[vader86]

Is this still a TPI intake, do you know where your peak torque number is?

I would say 2800 is on the higher side. Id be more inclined to run a 2400-2600 Vigilante. (If you get a Vigilante, theyll change the stall speed once for free if you dont like it)

 

[hott85]

I changed the intake to a Lingenfelter Super Ram Plenum Runner Kit w/Super Ram Base Intake.

Have no idea on the torque peak number?

 

[vader86]

The only way to find the peak torque is on a dyno.

The whole point in knowing where the peak is, is that you want the stall to be fairly close to it, for the lowest ETs.

Now if this car is driven around alot, more than 3000rpm stall takes some gettin used to, but the 2800-3000 stall would be the best for ETs. No more rear gearing is necessary, but switching to a D44 carrier with 3.07s would be the best idea if this is gonna be a drag car. (the 2.73s and D36 carrier you have now are not very stout, if you put slicks on the rear itll shatter, but i'm not saying you cant run 100 times at the track with street tires or maybe some drag radials)

Again, i wouldnt go with more than 2400-2600 if its daily driven.

My combo will be SR, 383, with the 219/219 cam. I think 2400 is what will go for, in a Vigilante converter.

 

[hott85]

thanks for the info! It's not a daily driver - weekends mostly and trips to Flordia from Atlanta about every 6 weeks or so...

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

Even with 3.07´s anything over 2600 is going to be a B!%@# in town. ¨been there, done that, paid the money to make it right.¨

Unless you are spending your weekends at the drag strip keep it driver friendly.

Great idea, why doesn´t somebody market a variable lockup TC. Cute switch on the shift like the OD switch. They could label it ¨slush and mush¨ on the low side and S#i% n Git on the high side.

Sorry folks, I’ve been working 18 hour days since last Friday, the brain cells are fried and my 2 remaining neurons, who used to communicate by cellfone forgot to charge their batteries.

 

[hott85]

I appreciate all the feedback...sounds like I need to stay at or below or a 2500 stall...

 

[BlackNBlue95]

Even with 3.07´s anything over 2600 is going to be a B!%@# in town. ¨been there, done that, paid the money to make it right.¨

Unless you are spending your weekends at the drag strip keep it driver friendly.

Great idea, why doesn´t somebody market a variable lockup TC. Cute switch on the shift like the OD switch. They could label it ¨slush and mush¨ on the low side and S#i% n Git on the high side.

Sorry folks, I’ve been working 18 hour days since last Friday, the brain cells are fried and my 2 remaining neurons, who used to communicate by cellfone forgot to charge their batteries.

I went with the 2600 vigilante on my 95 with 3.07's.. just a note 2600 is probably the highest I would go on the street.. but anyhow the big issue is.. heat.. a higher stall increases trans fluid temp greatly.. which can cause trans failure.. no matter what level trans you have.. so I reccoment buying a external trans cooler and add it inline witht the factory 1 tube through the radiator.. I would go with a Hayden cooler they seem to be the best.. anyway have fun with the trans and engine.. er the whole vette for that matter...
-Rick

 

[hott85]

Thanks Rick! I thought about an external transmission cooler, but probably would have dismissed installing one with a 2500 stall converter. Will definitely do so...