I was wondering if there was a difference between ST300 converters originally behind a V6, verses the 300, and 401. While my trans is out over the winter I'd like to replace the original ST400 converter with something that will stall around 2200-2300rpms in low stall and about 3000-3200rpms in high stall. Also, anybody that has a converter available feel free to PM me. Thanks for any info or leads! :beer
Hi, here is a thread that explains how it should be a drop in, aside from using the smaller bolt circle on the flexplate (does your flex plate have multiple bolt hole patterns for different converters?). http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?172271-st300-switch-converter-question Also, sending you a PM on a converter...
Andy-the linked thread has part of it, but I'm thinking that the convertor you want is the '65-6 Sky GS unit. Your late flexplate will have both hole patterns. There are probably more threads on this with more info. I have one of those convertors, but it should probably stay with it's GS trans
Thanks for the info Dan. I thought the flex plate had both hole patterns. Kevin has got me hooked up with a converter, so all is well! By the way Dan, I still have that Riv sway bar if you want it.
Hay dere Andy-Why is that ST400 out?....Like most in the world today, I always guarantee my stuff til it breaks! If it did, first time I know of
When I put it in the first time I chanced it and installed it as is besides a full manual shift kit, and a fresh filter and fluid. It's been awesome but has developed a nasty front seal leak. I can't complain one bit as it provided 2-3 years of cruising, and has taken quite a beating. Plus now I have an excuse to put a converter in it.
I try to remember to mention replacing front/rear seals, but the rememberer is sometimes a bit faulty. While it's out, you might want to consider side seals, too-good luck
the v6 are the same as 300-401 they are 12 inch. if you have the sp 400 converter its 13 inch. the smaller one if you cut the piston down will close the stator fins more and give more stall. i did it on my 340 gives me about 2500 stall. with my nailhead it gives me about 3000 stall because of the big block with more torque. one i had the fins bent negative instead of straight gave me about 3400 stall.crazy power off the line but hurt top end power because it would slip more and never really lock up even on low stall so i put it back to the 3000 stall. it might have been all right in my 340. so doing the piston is worth 200-300 over stock and doing the piston and the fins gave me 600-700 more stall.
The converter behind the V6 convertor from what I remember is smaller in size than the one behind the V8 300. The V6 has more of a stall I believe. If you want more stall I would find a converter that was behind a v6.
the v6 and v8 300 are the same size 12 plus inchs. the v6 has the stop i call it the piston is shorter so stator fins close a little more. but if your going to rework the converter any ways it dont matter.
I can't fault you for that, as you definitely suggested I re-seal everything. But I was in a rush to get it done for Back To The 50's. Live and learn. Like I said though, I'm glad to have the excuse to pull it so I can add a converter. :Brow: Thanks for the info guys! I was just worried that if the V6 unit wasn't the same as the 300/401 unit it would stall too high behind my setup. It sounds like if it stalls around 3000rpms in a GS, it might stall a few hundred more rpms in my heavier Invicta. Are the ST300's like the ST400's, in that only the '65-'67 transmissions have a variable pitch torque converter? Or would a '64 ST300 have a variable pitch converter as well?
In this picture of my 64 Special V6, I'm new to these cars but isn't that actuator on the intake with the orange bellows the switch pitch controller? Thanks for any info.
I believe so, but on the non switch pitch ST400's, a similar actuator is also present for the downshift solenoid, I believe. But, I also noticed a switch on the dash pot, which would activate high stall at idle. So that would lead me to believe that all '64-'67 ST300's have a variable pitch torque converter.
they were used in 64-68 but i dont think all models came with the sp. you will not get 3000 stall from the v6 unless you rework the stop more. if your cam is to big down low it will hurt the stall too.if your going to rework one it dont matter if its the v6 or ST-300 they will stall the same after being reworked. i would not put almost a 50 year old converter in with out opening it up and checking it out, if you can afford it.
Hi Andy, If the seal is leaking, make sure you check the pump to converter bushing for wear, too. I have a mechanical transmission jack that you are more than welcome to borrow to pull the 400 out! Have you ever thought about a T-56 6-speed? :Brow: Could be fun! Tim
Hey Tim, thanks for the suggestion! I was thinking about buying a kit which includes the seal, and bushing among other things. I was debating about farming out the re-seal job too, as I'm not sure I want to dig into the trans, and end up learning from any potential mistakes. I've wanted to put in a manual trans ever since the first trans swap came about. There was a gorgeous '64 Riv at Back To The 50's with a 5spd. I was drooling all over that thing. I just wish it wasn't such a costly conversion. Dan really hooked me up the first time around and made the ST400 swap possible.
Andy, With a little direction you could handle the reseal of the 400. You've got a lot to be proud of in getting that swap and all of your mods done! Turbo 400's are a great trans to learn on, especially if you live near a GM transmission guy! Keep me posted on what you want to do. Tim
