[billonwheels]

I'm almost done with my 455 build, now its on to the tranny. Could someone tell me the diffrence in the Pontiac converter for my trans? Seems like it cost an awful lot more than say a Chevy Stall Converter, (mostly all the Pontiac stuff does) My Cam is Edelbrock Performance278 Duration. Would a Shift kit be a good Idea, and could I put a shift kit in my TH400 without a complete rebuild?

[cobalt327]

Butler has the water pump divider plates if you need a fresh one, don't forget the grommets. They also have the hard to find heater hose nipples. You remembered the rubber seal between the w/p and intake, right?

There shouldn't be an appreciable difference between the cost of a "Pontiac" converter and any other GM converter, except for the fact that you need a strong converter.

But in any event, you do not want or need a lot of stall speed! About the worst thing you can do is use a loose TC behind the 455. The engine makes torque from just off idle, if the stall is even a little too loose, some of the torque the engine makes gets passed by.

You can't go by the advertised stall speed the TC makers use, they generally use a 350 SBC as their "yardstick". The Pontiac is more like a torquey BBC, stall-wise, and actually makes its power lower than a similarly sized and cammed BBC.

I used a Hughes TC, and it was well worth the money (cost about $350, but this was some time ago). I called them up and explained what I had, gearing, cam, weight, how I was going to use it, etc. I do not regret following their recommendation. It was furnace brazed, had needle bearings but was made to be streetable. It would be similar to the 35 series they make now, but spec'd for my powerband.

[billonwheels]

So whats the down side of using a stock TC with my Bored 30 over 455?

[rick 427]

my opinion...If I was putting that motor into that car that I see in your pics....I wouldn't even think of running a stall converter, if its just a street cruiser.

[billonwheels]

It is a Street Car....but I would like to have that extra if I need to.

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by billonwheels

So whats the down side of using a stock TC with my Bored 30 over 455?

The possible downside is a bit less efficiency than a custom converter. Other than that, it's my opinion your Performer-Plus Edelbrock cam will work fine w/the stock stall speed.

[billonwheels]

I have an Edelbrock 2157 Performance cam, so in your guys opinion I can get street performance from a stock converter? I want that nice sound and to have the torque that puts you in the seat..