Hey guys,
I've been doing a whole lot of research regarding torque converters and am getting a little lost in the weeds. I would appreciate some guidance on this subject matter. I am currently building this setup:
-Stock 87' sport 5.0 bottom end.
-87' HO roller cam and speed density system
-GT40 heads/intakes
-Headers
-3.45 limited slip rear
-255 tires in the back
I'm fairly convinced as of right now that I'll be installing a Baumann AOD shift kit. What do you all recommend as far as torque converters go. Should I stick with the stock one or upgrade, This will NOT be a drag car. I'll be driving it on the street exclusively.
Thanks!
That combo is almost identical to what I'm planning, So I'm in for some answers also. Good luck.
Stick 3.73 gears in it, minimum. I'm thinking of going to 4.10s in mine at some point. Everyone seems to underestimate stall needed. If you want the car to be really snappy use a minimum of a 2500 stall converter. Don't get a B&M unit. Pay the money for a quality torque converter.
I've been running a PI Stallion non-lockup torque converter for years. It's a billet 9.5" unit with 2800 stall. It's been great. Instant throttle response and takes any beating I give it. At low throttle it responds just like a stock unit.
What are the advantages of using a non-lockup converter?
Takes the inner, weak, lockup shaft out of the equation: http://www.clickclickracing.com/forums/showthread.php?1163-AOD-LOCKUP-vs-NON-LOCKUP-Torque-Converters
And there is always a trade off? Is it just heating of fluid?? MPG??
The non-lockup converter does heat the fluid more, due to it constantly slipping. Add a big external transmission cooler and you'll be fine. Yes MPG does go down without lockup. My car will still get 24 MPG at 75 MPH. My car is not a daily driver so I could care less about what the mileage is. If you're concerned about MPG don't hot rod the car :grinno:
It's more fun to just make it fast :biggrin: