Torque converter 101

I am seriously lacking in my understanding of torque converter terminology and function. Flash,stall.... what each feels like seat of the pants wise. How to tell if I need more or less.. you get where I'm coming from.

I know this must have been covered at sometime here but after several searches I have not come up with any Torque Converter for dummy's threads :grin: . If you can point me in the right direction I would be most greatful. :beer

 

Camshaft and gear ratio in low gear and at the rearend have the most to do with your need for more stall. If you are using a stock cam, you probably do not need much increase stall in the comverter. The point at which your camshaft begin to make housepower is crucial to the choice of stall for your converter.

If you have a power band of 2500 rpm to 6000 rpms, the low number iswhere you want your coverter to lock up or flash to.

Stall is the point at which the converter passes engine torque to the transmission to make the vehicle move. Flash is the maximum stall the converter will allow at full throttle under load.

Your low gear ratio in the transmission and the rear axle gear ration also play an important part because the lower the gear ratio (Higher numerically) at the wheels makes the load move easier, an thus, you may not need as much stall to achieve the result you are looking for.

For a street driven car the less stall is often the best because it has better driveability i.e. gas mileage, lower cruising speed rpms ect.)

The Buick switch pitch converters are very good for high stall, yet provides excellent streetability. Because you can shut the stall down.

WARNING! I have tried three 4000 rpm stall VP converters by P.A.E. and all three have failed which has played havoc with the grocery budget when the tranny went south with it and I needed to replace both of them.

Currently using an ART CARR 3000 rpm stall which highways comparable to the VP and launches almost as well as the VP.

Hope this helps.

Weekender

 

Thanks for the links :TU: Looks like I have some reading to do