2004R TORQUE CONVERTER QUESTION

[wskirvin]

Okay guys I need someone with torque converter experience to give me a hand, I'm building my 88 Cutlass. Putting in an Olds 455 bored .030 over. Elgine e-975p cam. Edelbrock performer intake, E heads that have been milled and rebuilt. high compression dished pistons and a holley 750 carb. i'm wanting to install a 2004r trans so i can drive it on the highway and not be pegging over 3000 rpm's and the rear axle will be a built 9" posi with 3:25 gears from quick performance. i'm just trying to figure out what would be the best torque converter to get to let this combo do the best it can. any suggestions? car is not being built to race just a fun cruiser. any help would be appreciated!

 

[Gremlinsteve]

It would contact art Carr or go with circle D transmission in Houston
Both build good converters. Circle D specializes in converters

If it was mine I would be looking at a 2400 stall lockup converter

 

[Gremlinsteve]

On second thought after reviewing the specs of that cam I would definitely go with a 2800 stall lockup converter

 

[techg8]

be sure you will be below the stall rpm at cruise in overdrive,

I would contact Chris K at CKperformance. get his recommendation.
Great guy, very knowledgable and helpful. a pro with 200-4rs

 

[motorheadmike]

be sure you will be below the stall rpm at cruise in overdrive,

There is more to it than this. If the flash stall is higher than the cruise rpm it may be inconsequential. If the trans still has a functioning TCC solenoid use it and get a lock-up converter, and stall speed won't matter.

I'd aim for a stall speed near peak torque, because getting a converter that is too tight is going to be a lasting disappointment.

 

[melloelky]

for my money,contact at least two converter company's and go from there.

 

[84 W40]

2600 to 2800 is fine for your setup. That cam reminds me of a W30 spec. I had David husek at Turbobuick Performance build my 200r4 and a custom made torque converter for my olds 461. Spec on the converter 2800 stall flashes at 3000 and its a lock up. Some advice on an olds 455, torque comes in quick and if your 200r4 is not built for it you will snap that input shaft in the trans.

 

[olds307 and 403]

I would say at least 2800 stall lock up and at least 3.55 gears.

 

[UNGN]

The Stock Turbobuick converter, the D5, stalled around 2400. With Carbed big block with 3.25 gears I would go close to 3K stall, BUT ONLY use a lockup converter. Art carr and others used to blah blah about non lockups being "more efficient". That may be true, but it is only true when they are unlocked and on a car you drive on the highway, that's like 5% of the time.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Unless he drives a lot of 80 mph highway driving or is planning 20" tall tires, his RPM will be too low. He will be at 1700 RPM at 60 mph with a 25.9" tall tire. At 80 only 2200 RPM with the converter locked up, way too low for that cam. I find this calculator is very accurate with the converter locked up. http://tech.oldsgmail.com/axle_RPM.php
I ran a bit lower rpm with 2.78 gears with the Qjet leaned right out and struggled to hit 20 mpg imperial with only a 214/214 cam, he has no hope of mileage with 100 more ci and a 244 duration cam. Even a 3.70 or 3.90 should be considered with a taller tire. I hope he realizes there will be 2 grand in upgraded parts alone for a 2004R to live behind big torque.