how do i know what to pick with a converter
 

im going to buy a new bte converter. everyone i talked to says i need a 5500 stall. my trans guy is wanting me to get a 5000 stall. i run a 434 sbc in a 79 transam, i run a glide with a brake, shift at 6500 launch at 3500 i have a lunati solid roller cam the duration at 50 is 276/284 gross lift is 640/645 rpm range 4400-7800. ive never weighed the car but would guess around 3k. im lost with this. ive tried finding stuff on the net to read but its like a soup recipe everyone has a different opinion, if i go with the 5k what is the adverse affect of this? same with the larger stall. thanks for all your guys help i needed some expert advise so i came to the experts.

Re: how do i know what to pick with a converter
 

I would ask the people at BTE.

Re: how do i know what to pick with a converter
 

I presume the 4400 to 7800 RPM range is in reference to the cam manufacturer's suggestion rather than your engine's actual powerband.

I've always had good results choosing a stall somewhere between 1500 and 2000 lower than peak engine RPM. Also, better to stay with a more efficient (tight) 8" converter that can be restalled higher if required rather than a loose 10" converter that's maxed out and has horrible slippage numbers down track.

Do you have a dyno sheet?

Re: how do i know what to pick with a converter
 

Shift at 6500, in a sbc?

Re: how do i know what to pick with a converter
 

Call Charlie Plott at ATI. Your stall speed will depend on if you're going for maximum performance or something else.

Re: how do i know what to pick with a converter
 

x200!!

Re: how do i know what to pick with a converter
 

Talk to Bubba Stanton at BTE and follow his recommendation. They've built many convertors for your type application and they do a real good job of it. I've sold quite a few of their converters and never a problem. JMT.

Re: how do i know what to pick with a converter
 

You are best spending $400 for a half day on the dyno to determine the right converter for you engine. You will get it right the first time and it will save you a TON of money in the long run. Nothing like spending $900-$1200 on a converter and not having the right one, then having to spend another $1000 trying to figure it out.

Re: how do i know what to pick with a converter
 

While I agree with those that advised speaking to Charlie Plott/ATI, the bottomline is without actual dyno info or at the very least good dyno simulation info, your sucess at getting the right converter is a matter of who guesses the best.

Re: how do i know what to pick with a converter
 

I just got home from a couple days of Scottys school. It was free testing of converters, carbs, fuels, trannys,etc. Alot of good products I tested 5 different converters in the last 2 days. I was able to pick up my stocker 5 tenths in the quarter mile over the converter I started with. Money well spent. Alot of work but I didnt waste any money trying to find some e.t. Its not everyday I get to test products for free. You can also learn a bit why your there.