Converter question

[86-blk442]

I am swapping to a th350 trans and am looking for recommendations on what torque converter to use (stall/brand).

My specs are as follows.

355 Olds motor
10.25:1
#5 heads with big w-31 valves and bowl work
600 Holley DP
Cam: 230/230 @ .050
.490/.490 lift
2000-6000 RPM range

Trans is a th350, with tci internals, and reverse manual vb
Rear end is the stock 8.5 posi w/3.73's

 

[crotchss]

I'd say to run around the 2300-2600 range if it's a street/strip ride. As far as brand I personally love the Precision Industries Vigilante converter I run. Before that I had always ran TCI converters, but the last Super Street Fighter converter I had blew up from overpowering ,which is why I now run the Vigilante. Car is quicker also, but I'm sure that has to do with the fact that the Vigilante is 500 rpm looser. You can call any converter manufacturer with your set-up and they will help you with the right one. I've got friends that are running B&M's, Red Neck's, and ACC's for converters and all have worked well for them too.

 

[79GP6.6L]

I'm a fan of the Vigilante as well, but they are not cheap, so it depends on how much you want to spend.

A lot of the Pontiac guys like Continental converters, but I've never had any personal experience with them myself.

 

[86-blk442]

Thanks for the replies so far. I'm definitely not afraid to spend some money for a good product and one that isn't going to fail.

 

[79GP6.6L]

If you go with Precision Industries, I'm pretty sure they still offer 1 free stall speed adjustment. If you put it in and don't think the stall speed is right, you can send the converter back to them and ask for a different stall speed, for free. I don't know if any other manufacturers offer that option, but it is worth checking into.

 

[JBreu]

Check out ptcrace.com, they are a reputable converter company and they stand behind their work/word....I have a 3200 converter in my car...I'd say 2500-2800 would be in your range.. 8)

 

[DoubleV]

IMO at least 3000. I would guess around 3500 would be good.

 

[86-blk442]

IMO at least 3000. I would guess around 3500 would be good.

I was honestly thinking 3000 I don't think mid 2000's is enough.

 

[DoubleV]

IMO at least 3000. I would guess around 3500 would be good.

I was honestly thinking 3000 I don't think mid 2000's is enough.

I agree, however I would talk to a converter manufacturer and get their professional opinion though. A high quality converter can make a big difference. There's this guy from another forum who built an olds 350 by slapping together some parts he had laying around and used a high quality 3500 stall converter and his cam was only around 219/221. He said it drove almost like stock on the street but would launch like a rocket. There are plenty of other similar accounts as well.