Transmission questions & Converter (Lock vs non)

[Dugan]

Im looking to buy a transgo shift kit for my th350, ive noticed some kits work with lockup and some worth with non lock up converters. I keep hearing different things about these converters and though id ask you guys. The car is running around 400-450 hp 400sbc with around a .480 cam. 4.11 ford 9" rear with factory posi. The car is going to be strictly track.

The kits ive been looking at are on this page
http://transgoonline.com/products.php?c ... rent_id=93

I dont know whether the 350- 1&2 or the 350- 3 kit would be better for my application.

Thanks in advance

 

[DoubleV]

In a race only application you'd want a quality non-lockup converter because they are more efficiant than lockups which means less slippage. If you have a 350 transmission, you don't really have a choice though. You have to use a non lockup converter because it's not built for lockup converters. The 350C is a 350 transmission with the lockup feature which would then use the lockup converter.

According to your link, the 350-3 would require you to manualy shift your transmission at all times ( unless my quick read through missed something ). If you don't want to shift manually, get the other one. You could always contact Transgo and make sure you're buying the right kit for your application.

 

[CHRIS.O]

You could always contact Transgo and make sure you're buying the right kit for your application.

+1

The most often overlooked resource is usually the manufacturer themselves.

 

[Dugan]

Any idea on a converter company to purchase? Im not too sure on my motor setup, i purchased the car with a told estimate of whats under the hood. It sounds pretty beefy, but im unsure. I was told it had a .480 cam and use to run 12.8s in a 78 malibu with 3.73s and a th350 with full interior. I dont know how much i believe it but I guess i can always build it up. Any ideas on a stall speed for a car running a th350 with 4.11s? or 4.88s?

 

[khan0165]

someone on here told me about BDR Torque Converters... he hadn't used one personally, but has friends that have. So I did some research and not many people have heard of them.

BUT, for those who have heard and used them, were very pleased. They are an all custom deal, you tell them your specs (motor, heads, cam, compression ratio, hp/trq rpm range, car weight, application, etc...) and they'll built your converter exactly for your car.

Brian, the owner, is a great guy to deal with. It's a small business, but with racing pedigree, so you're well cared for. If you're not happy with the setup, stall adjustments are free! And he'll cover shipping for it (within reason)...

an equivalent TCI converter for my 700r4 (with lockup) to handle 400hp was going to cost me over $600...
Brian at BDR is building me one for $400

... he can also do cheap "re-man" ones for like $100, but I would not recommend this

http://stores.bdrtorqueconverters.com/StoreFront.bok

 

[inkster]

i grew up around people who race on a budget and 1 trick ive learned is to use vega torque converters. they stall around 3500 and work good at the track

 

[DoubleV]

Any idea on a converter company to purchase? Im not too sure on my motor setup, i purchased the car with a told estimate of whats under the hood. It sounds pretty beefy, but im unsure. I was told it had a .480 cam and use to run 12.8s in a 78 malibu with 3.73s and a th350 with full interior. I dont know how much i believe it but I guess i can always build it up. Any ideas on a stall speed for a car running a th350 with 4.11s? or 4.88s?

Have heard nothing but good things about PTC, but if you want to purchase the proper converter, you'll need to provide them with more detailed info than what you listed above.

 

[Dugan]

Any idea on a converter company to purchase? Im not too sure on my motor setup, i purchased the car with a told estimate of whats under the hood. It sounds pretty beefy, but im unsure. I was told it had a .480 cam and use to run 12.8s in a 78 malibu with 3.73s and a th350 with full interior. I dont know how much i believe it but I guess i can always build it up. Any ideas on a stall speed for a car running a th350 with 4.11s? or 4.88s?

Have heard nothing but good things about PTC, but if you want to purchase the proper converter, you'll need to provide them with more detailed info than what you listed above.

Yea without putting a trans in the car with a stock converter and running a dyno I truely have no idea

 

[Dugan]

i grew up around people who race on a budget and 1 trick ive learned is to use vega torque converters. they stall around 3500 and work good at the track

My neighbor from down the road told me to use a vega converter they are like 8in and stall from 3000-3500 I thought he was ****ing with me hah

 

[Dugan]

Looking at this product a friend of mine said his friend was running 11.90s to 12.00s with this and loved it

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JEGS-60403-GM-T ... 2450wt_837

Im looking up my trans to insure I have a non lockup, I dont have the electrical connection above the shift linkage so that shows its not a C code trans. I found the code B3C05N code on the pan, I believe this is

th350-"3"-march-05-night shift

Does the three represent the third year of production, 69-79 therefore a 72'?