Converters for High Horsepower Heavy Cars

o No: I know what you mean. This happens a lot to some of us who aren't really all that well known on the board. Kind of sucks for the beginning Buick enthusiast. John B. o No:

 

You are so right but I have been on here for over two years.o No:
Its no big deal, but I just think out of courtesy a person would get a reply. I thought my question was a legitimate question and not some dumb ass being stupid. I was running 11s in a Buick when a lot of thses guys were
only dreaming of racing. Thanks for the reply John. I hope to see you at Bremerton next year
Bob H.

 

Yes my friend I'll be there. And with a different car. Whoops !!! Slipped out. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Your question was perfectly legit. I just think sometimes this site and some of its members ( Not All ) are like in a social group. You know, like back in high school. Enough already. :boring: Lets help each other out. John.

 

Guys
I don't think anybody on this thread is ignoring you, we're trying to get more education on the subject also. Notice most post are referring Keith to a convertor expert. We're trying to learn too.

That being said, I'll give you my disclaimer: "I do not claim to be a trans expert, but will share with you what I know. My thoughts are based on past experiences or the experiences of others and may not be 100% accurate, but should be close".

Most convertor shops can build you a convertor, based on what your engine's capabilities are from certain numbers, such as duration, carburetion, etc., etc., but the build will be an educated guess. You may have to track test the convertor and send it back for "tightening or loosening" until it's close to the mark. On the other hand, if you really know your engine well, or if you have a dyno sheet, the builder can build one with much greater accuracy. Generally, most put the flash point near the max torque rating to get the car moving faster. The better convertors will be extremely efficient and even drive better on the street because they're so much more efficient than off the shelf convertors that are built for a more broad range of engines. I hope this helps. Sorry for the disclaimer, but there are a few that get offended by others sharing knowledge that they disagree with.:beers2:

 

Thanks for th reply. Things have changed over the years and I am definately
out of the loop. All there was to offer unless you were extremely wealthy
were off the shelf converters including S/P converters. Most of us used to dream of having a Lenco.:grin:

 

Thanks Reynold. Just always wanting to learn more from the available resources on the board. That being the people with lots of experience. Point taken. John Biggs.

 

Tom, sent you a PM

 

I have a 9" convertor that I bought from a friend for my car, when complete. It's a nice piece, custom built for him, but he had no dyno sheet and really didn't know his engine well. All the input info was a guesstimate based on a few trips to the track. Well, I think he over estimated his engine power and his motor didn't have the "suds" to push it over 3600 flash point. I bought it knowing that I'll have at least 100 hp more and I'm looking to be in the 4000-4200 neighborhood. I still may end up with an ATI or Coan before it's over with. His example of "guess" work ended up with him buying 2 more convertors before he ended up with something close, instead of bringing this one back and having it tuned for his application. It still costs plenty of money to get the "right" convertor that is super efficient and street friendly, but when you do, it feels like another car.

 

I like learning from these guys too. It saves money!:grin:

 

I have an art carr 9.5" 3kstall that works good in my 70 monte carlo , weight is 3800lbs, However I hear really good stuff and great prices from Redneck converters, Thats the next one i'm buying for the lark.

 

a custom built converter is the only way to go they are expensive but worth the cost they will blow away the old sp by a mile.I have tried at least 8 converters in my car over the years i did tighten the last one up for less slip in the topend but it did lose a bit in the sixty but gained mph in the top,so its a fine line when you are close with the stall, even though buicks make low end grunt they still need lots of stall to et well.

 

Thanks for the reply Adam. It never even occured to me until reading this thread that you could have a converter custom built.
Bob H

 

Thanks for all the input guys. I decided to go with a Coan. Transmission is out, converter is ordered, should have it by Friday.

 

What kind did ya get?
Price?

quick order n ship time?

 

Coan 8 inch. $995 plus shipping. Great personal service, built specific for your car. Three day assemble time and out the door.

 

you'll be happy i have a 9" coan it was perfect on the first shot!

 

Nice; wonder if a 10" from them would be more in my price range.
$995 is a bit steep for me.

 

10" Max Perf is right up there as well.

 

Mine was $1100 + ou: But i don't care to pay top dollar for a top shelf part:TU: