Power Glide converter ?

Mark Yacavone · 05-04-2021, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImBack

Not too sure I know years ago people ran opel converters because they stalled higher this was back in the 80s.

Opel 8" converters have been used since about 1969..See the Lambeck /Ripes connection.. However , they weren't close to bolting into anything, besides a Opel
You may be thinking of the Vega converter. Piece of junk, but what would you expect?

Henrys Toy · 05-04-2021, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Opel 8" converters have been used since about 1969..See the Lambeck /Ripes connection.. However , they weren't close to bolting into anything, besides a Opel
You may be thinking of the Vega converter. Piece of junk, but what would you expect?

Mark you are correct about the Opel converters. The Vega converters also needed some TLC, if my memory servers me right. I also broke both of my Vega converters behind and pretty tame 350 S.B. Chevy engine without a trans brake. Anything can be made to "work" but the internals won't take a bunch of abuse. So if you can get one cut open and beefed up - you might just as well purchase a quality converter, and be done with it!
Any OEM 13" is only worth something to (maybe) a collector for a restoration project.

jmantle · 05-04-2021, 06:48 PM

4 cylinder and smaller 6 cylinder engines came with an 11" converter, V8's and some bigger 6's came with a 12". All air cooled ones were 11". Way back we used the 6 cylinder ones for a higher stall before the Vega ones came out. Vega ones worked good behind a big block but had a very short life.

Jim Mantle V/SA 6632

Mark Yacavone · 05-04-2021, 06:48 PM

Actually, I should have stated that the Opel converter was from the T180, which was also used in many small engine RWD cars , including the Chevette.. none of which could be used for racing, without extensive modifications.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbo-Hydramatic_180

ImBack · 05-04-2021, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Opel 8" converters have been used since about 1969..See the Lambeck /Ripes connection.. However , they weren't close to bolting into anything, besides a Opel
You may be thinking of the Vega
converter. Piece of junk, but what would you expect?

Yep your right Vega converter

05-04-2021, 06:48 PM	#3
jmantle Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Black Creek, BC Canada Posts: 331 Likes: 79 Liked 172 Times in 81 Posts	Re: Power Glide converter ? 4 cylinder and smaller 6 cylinder engines came with an 11" converter, V8's and some bigger 6's came with a 12". All air cooled ones were 11". Way back we used the 6 cylinder ones for a higher stall before the Vega ones came out. Vega ones worked good behind a big block but had a very short life. Jim Mantle V/SA 6632 __________________ Jim Mantle U/V/SA 6632

05-04-2021, 06:48 PM	#4
Mark Yacavone Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Miles From Nowhere Posts: 7,818 Likes: 2,909 Liked 5,126 Times in 1,954 Posts	Re: Power Glide converter ? Actually, I should have stated that the Opel converter was from the T180, which was also used in many small engine RWD cars , including the Chevette.. none of which could be used for racing, without extensive modifications. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbo-Hydramatic_180 __________________ "We are lucky we don't get as much Government as we pay for." Will Rogers