So I need to replace the torque converter when I do the eventual rebuild. I want one with a good hp rating that will handle the setup. I like to overbuild, so I think 500 hp sounds like a good, round number. I know there are a lot of companies out there. I would like to stay under $400 if possible. I'll stick with a 12" converter to save a little money, too. Stall speed around 22-2400. I also want to keep my lockup function.

Companies I know of are:

Yank: http://www.converter.cc/GM_s/51.htm (I know they are pricey)

Precision Industries: http://www.converter.com/

PATC: http://www.transmissioncenter.net/

TCI...I had a buddy who used one on his 11 sec camaro and warned me to stay away from them due to problems he had.

PeteK: I know he has a source for converters, but I don't know anything about them.

Anything else to look at or consider? Comments?

Matthew

http://www.dalenzie.com/

These guys have built a couple for me, including the current one I have behind my 550+hp 496 stroker BBC. I know nothing about racing or building torque converters but these guys came highly recommended and are pretty well known in the San Diego area's racing/muscle car circles. Sorry, but I really have no recollection of what I paid though.

Thanks, Nelson, I'll look in to that

Circle D have done me wrong and have great customer service.

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Typo?

I used ACC. Its an old company that used to be Alabama Torque Converter.

http://accperformance.com/index.html

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On second thought, I looked at the link I posted before.
Don't use their online estimator, it's pretty generic to get you a ball park figure..

Call them directly and they'll help you better over the phone.
If I recall correctly, they sent me a build sheet to fill in (vehicle weight, engine, trans, gears, cam info, etc) to help them help me pick a converter which they custom-built to spec.

Thanks to everyone so far. Pete is traveling this week but he'll post up some info later. I have 5 months to piece this together so no real rush.

Matthew

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Yessir. No editing here tho. They have great converters and are very helpful.

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I think Pete will recommend the Vigilante, but don't go by my guess.

art car of california trans. in huntington beach would also be a great place to go .

Started a thread on TGO.

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/tra ... ld-500-a.html#post5407480

Dana at probuilt recommended a 2800 stall lockup 9.5 either edge or vigilante. Also got a recommendation for a yank.

Why does speed have to cost so much???

Matthew

The prices of these torque converters is making my head spin!

The general prices I'm finding for a few I've narrowed down:


$895 Coan COA-90310 10" MAXIMUM PERF CONVERTER (TORQUE DRIVE LOCK-UP) W/BILLET COVER


$725 Pro Edge GM 700R4 Transmissions
Flanged, Chrome-moly drive hub Furnace Brazed Pump and Turbine All wear surfaces are fitted for enclosed bearings for less drag and increased longevity. Anti balloon
plates are standard! Lock up feature is upgraded to the latest "high Carbon" friction Input splines are chrome moly heat treated for increased strength

$799 P. I. Vigilante w/5 year warranty & 2 year free stall exchange $799.00 from Dana / Probuilt
Vigilante 9.5" Single Disk Lock-up Torque Converter
Unique One Piece Billet Mounting Cover - The customized billet mounting cover has no welded brackets. This smooth one-piece design reduces the rotation mass, eliminates wobble for less run-out, and keeps the converter perpendicular.
4130 CNC Machine Turbine Hub - High quality 4230 alloy prevents premature wear.
Fully Enclosed Torrington Thrust Bearings - Holds the lube oil at stall for better lubrication.
Fully Furnace Brazed Impeller and Turbine - Adds strength, increases efficiency and eliminates oil leaks.
Anti-Ballooning Plate - Keeps the converter for ballooning at high RPM's
Reinforced Turbine Vanes
Heat Treated Precision Hubs
Electronically Balanced
Pressure Tested

$795 Yank SS
The SS series is the ultimate street-strip converter this converter works great on NOS or N/A the Yank SS series has you covered. All SS series models are a 9.5 in billet model with a solid billet lock-up clutch. They also come with the following features listed below.  Rated to 650RWHP



I'm not sure if it's worth going with the lower grades from a few of those companies. For example:

$495 COA-90111 12" PRO STREET/COMPETITION CONVERTER (LOCK-UP)
$625 COA-90315 10" PRO STREET/COMPETITION CONVERTER (LOCK-UP)

$555 9.5" Edge torque converter w/1 year warranty $555.00 from Dana / Probuilt
Street Edge Converter for GM 700R4 Transmissions
Flanged, Chrome-moly drive hub
Furnace Brazed Pump and Turbine
All wear surfaces are fitted for enclosed bearings for less drag and increased longevity
Input splines are chrome moly heat treated for increased strength

Thoughts?

Any thoughts on buying a used converter? I saw a vigilante 2600 for sale with 15000 miles for 425 shipped. Not sure if something like that is worth it since I'd want to send it back in for an inspection/rebuild and perhaps reflash.

I'd personally have no issues with a used converter, as long as it's not been blown up and you can verify what your buying.... ie know why he's selling it...

If you can find a good known brand converter for a good price, I'd tell you to buy it.
Will

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Thanks, Will.

I just got off the phone with Mike at Precision Industries. Real nice guy to talk to on the phone. He told me the inspection fee to cut open the converter, clean, inspect, etc is $262.50. That doesn't include freight and if there are burnt clutches or any damage that's not included. He told me in that case (depending on price of used converter) it's better to buy a new converter and get the 5 year warranty and free stall change within 2 years.

Makes sense to me.

Matthew

Hey Matt. Been on the road for a while, and was wondering how you made out?
Edge makes a good unit. Andre makes a decent piece, and is a good guy. Mine are very, very similar to his in parts and quality, and a few bucks cheaper.
Vigilane makes a fine piece, and they charge a PREMIUM price. Alot of it is for the billet rear cover that is way overkill for most of us.

Pete - the trans is still in the car, it is parked under the cover for the winter. I am waiting until spring and then taking it to my friend's shop with a lift. We will pull it there. I am slowly squirreling away dollar bills in my "transmission fund" so I can buy the parts. Rick is supposed to get a price for me on the converter through his company, Rick Anthony Motorsports. Send me a PM with info about your converter/price. I plan on ordering the rebuild kit from Dana at Probuilt and having a guy locally build it. It already has the Transgo 2+3 shift kit in it, Dana said that is fine.

Any thoughts?

Matthew

Sent you a PM.
Dana knows his shit, and assembles some pretty good, high quality kits. Be sure to involve your trans builder to be sure he is on the same page as Dana regarding the parts. Builder deserves final say.

I talked to the builder and he said bring whatever you want and I'll put it in.