[Ozz1967]

Just how does a stall converter work...and how will affect every day driving? I've got a 700R4 that likes to drop into overdrive when I'm cruising around town at 45mph which means I'm running like, 1500rpm maybe. If I install say, a 2500 stall converter, what exactly will that do to my dailiy driving? Also, what if any extra modifications/extra parts should I get if I buy one? The reason I ask is the Cam I'm installing recommends having a 2500 stall converter and while I've had several of the motor heads around my work try and explain it to me, I just can't seem to get it right in my head.

[onovakind67]

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/torque-converter1.htm

Every converter is a 'stall' converter, some stall at higher speeds than others. Your original stock converter is a 'stall' converter designed complement the stock motor. If you have a 700R4 it will lock the converter in OD, and this negates any slip in the converter, resulting in a 2500 stall converter acting exactly like the stock one. One thing to consider when running a 700R4 is exactly what you described, they like to drop into overdrive at low rpm's, so your engine needs to be relatively efficient at those rpm's.

Here are some good tech Q&A sites for converters, especialy ones for 700R4's:

http://www.converter.com/
http://www.converter.cc/

[johnsongrass1]

Picture it like two box fans facing each other. When you turn one on "slow" speed the other doesn't really move much but when you turn up the fan speed to "fast"(like revving an engine)the other really get's going.

[RONNYinWAXHAW]

Missing from the illustration is the clutch inside your stock converter. After your trans has shifted all it's gears, you'll feel a softer shift, which is the clutch locking in your converter. You can buy aftermarket converters that don't come with a clutch. I'm planning to buy one WITH for my 700R4.

[Ozz1967]

My 700R4 does have a lockup on it which is what I would want. From the reading, it's better gas mileage for the highway. And that's always a bonus. hehe

[sbchevfreak]

Your "stall" speed is the maximum engine rpm attainable with the trans in gear, and the output shaft stationary (brakes on, wheels not rotating). If it is higher that rated, the trans is slipping, lower could be engine tune, ect.

Originally Posted by onovakind67

If you have a 700R4 it will lock the converter in OD, and this negates any slip in the converter, resulting in a 2500 stall converter acting exactly like the stock one.

This actually makes the converter like a clutch in a standard trans car, locking the turbine to the converter housing for a near 1:1 drive. 1500rpm stall or 3500 rpm stal, at lock up they will both act exactly the same.

Ozz, at 45mph, O/D is a normal gear change. If you don't want it to shift into O/D, drive it around town in D.

[onovakind67]

The lockup feature is not only good for mileage, it's good for performance, too. My 700R4 will lock up in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th depending on when I hit the button. If I lock it in 3rd gear at the dragstrip, it improves my e.t. by about 2 tenths and 3 mph, from 11.95 @ 114 to 11.75 @ 117. It also makes towing easier, as you can lock the converter early and reduce the heat generated by the slippage.

[Ozz1967]

Originally Posted by sbchevfreak

Your "stall" speed is the maximum engine rpm attainable with the trans in gear, and the output shaft stationary (brakes on, wheels not rotating). If it is higher that rated, the trans is slipping, lower could be engine tune, ect.



This actually makes the converter like a clutch in a standard trans car, locking the turbine to the converter housing for a near 1:1 drive. 1500rpm stall or 3500 rpm stal, at lock up they will both act exactly the same.

Ozz, at 45mph, O/D is a normal gear change. If you don't want it to shift into O/D, drive it around town in D.

Yeah, I keep it in drive around town when I want to be a bit more "sporty". I just don't know which converter to buy. The specs at comp cams say 3000 stall, others I talk to say for a street car you shouldn't need anything over 2500. Any suggestions?

[onovakind67]

What cam would that be?

[Ozz1967]

Originally Posted by onovakind67

What cam would that be?

This is it here.

Comp Cam

The Comp Cams web site is where it says to use a 3000 stall converter.

[onovakind67]

Duration at 050 inch Lift: 230° int/236° exh.

Comp recommends a 2000+ stall converter with that cam. That's a pretty big cam for a cruiser with overdrive. I run a 12-430-8 in my 406 - 224°/224° and it works very well at 2000 rpm.

Here's the Comp SBC Catalog online:

http://www.compcams.com/Technical/Cu...ML/128-169.asp

[Ozz1967]

Hmm...the tech guy I talked to said 3000. But, as I said, some of the guys i work with know a little about motors and they said a 2500 would be just fine. And yes, it might be a little big, but that's ok with me.

Also, here is where it says 3000 stall.

Chevy 262-400 Xtreme Energy XR282HR Cam
PART #08-432-8
$363.67
Quantity: None in your basket


DESCRIPTION:
HYDRAULIC ROLLER: Great for street machines, needs intake, headers, stall, gears. 3000 stall.

CLICK HERE FOR CAMSHAFT SPECS

This is a cam only. For complete kits, see the K-Kit