Stall Speed

[RKRUZIN]

I am considering what transmission to get and am probably going to go with a TH700R4 from Monster , Summit racing SUM-700203 or a loacal guy my question is what size torque converter should I run. I have a 81 malibu with a 305 and factory 2.73 gears. I am going to upgrade the rear axle to a 8.5 3.42 and a 350 or a Ls1.

the lowest stall is 1,600 RPM
the next speed is 1,800rpm then 2,000 and so on.

any suggestions?

 

[dogsht]

Factory cam factory stall maybe one bump up.

If you get a 200-4R/driveshaft (as I am not sure what trans/driveshaft you have in it currently) that came in the later gbodys its a bolt up. Like what GM put in the Grand National/442/MCSS. The 700-R4 requires you getting a driveshaft cut. Same if you make the change to an 8.5 you want the driveshaft with it so that its a bolt up like the factory did it so that again no cutting or fabrication is required. You definitely can make a 700-R4 work but why if you don't already have one. Lots of good mail order places with a track record of building a high performance 200-4R with warranty, and prices are about the same as the 700-R4.

PS if you search there are lots of good transmission threads on transmissions & gbodys. Its rather been beat to death here.

 

[DRIVEN]

I'll resist the urge to get into the 200 vs 700 debate because that's not what you were asking (even though dogshit makes good points). As for choosing stall speed, match it to the cam. Most cruisers are happy with something in the 2000-2200 range. So if you aren't planning on anything radical with your future engine, there's no need get greedy with a 3500 race converter. I do applaud you strategy of upgrading the drivetrain parts before the engine. It makes great sense and most people start with the engine then complain about breaking parts.