Torque Converter/Gears for a mild 383 street driven Vette?
10-17-2005, 12:14 PM
#1
Torque Converter/Gears for a mild 383 street driven Vette? I am in the process of getting a Vette and it has some miles on it and some wear and tear. So, I'm thinking of going with a mild 383 stroker and a built transmission to get it back to like new condition with some added performance. I know that a stalled car is great for the track, but if I just want to take better advantage of the 383 stroker, it seems like I need a matched converter.
I want to retain drivability and gas mileage for the time being. This car will never see the track or be used for drag racing (although some street racing may be possible when the need arises), but will be for cruising around, going to work occasionally, and making 300+ mile road trips every couple of weeks. In fact, it'll have Continental 305/25-20s on the rear, so I don't want something that will blow them off.
It has a 2.73 in there now, and would be willing to go with a 3.15 and a 3000 stall 2.0 STR, but since most converters I see with those ratings are for a mild 346 and this will be a mild 383, I wonder how that changes them? Maybe I am wrong in thinking a 3000/2.0 on a 3.15 is a good match, and if so, what converter/gear combination will actually work well for my needs? I know this section is for F-body's which are much heavier than a Corvette Coupe, so please take that into consideration when offering your insight or experience.
I would almost stay with the 2.73 and stock converter (the 383s power curve should be about 2000-6600 rpm), but I honestly don't think either are in the greatest shape nor would they hold 450+rwtq for any amount of time. I'm more willing to put the money into those things than buy a Vette in better shape with OEM quality components that will equal the same price at the end of the day.
Can you guys offer any help? Am I going to need a custom converter? Thanks!
I want to retain drivability and gas mileage for the time being. This car will never see the track or be used for drag racing (although some street racing may be possible when the need arises), but will be for cruising around, going to work occasionally, and making 300+ mile road trips every couple of weeks. In fact, it'll have Continental 305/25-20s on the rear, so I don't want something that will blow them off.
It has a 2.73 in there now, and would be willing to go with a 3.15 and a 3000 stall 2.0 STR, but since most converters I see with those ratings are for a mild 346 and this will be a mild 383, I wonder how that changes them? Maybe I am wrong in thinking a 3000/2.0 on a 3.15 is a good match, and if so, what converter/gear combination will actually work well for my needs? I know this section is for F-body's which are much heavier than a Corvette Coupe, so please take that into consideration when offering your insight or experience.
I would almost stay with the 2.73 and stock converter (the 383s power curve should be about 2000-6600 rpm), but I honestly don't think either are in the greatest shape nor would they hold 450+rwtq for any amount of time. I'm more willing to put the money into those things than buy a Vette in better shape with OEM quality components that will equal the same price at the end of the day.
Can you guys offer any help? Am I going to need a custom converter? Thanks!
10-17-2005, 09:34 PM
#4
If I buy a 2800 stall verter, will it actually be like 3300-3500 or more if I push 450rwhp unlocked? I'd like something fairly efficient that does help from a roll (I've read that the large verters with high shift extensions do that, but does the same hold true with a smaller one?). Also, I think I'll just go with the 3.15 to keep reasonable mileage on the interstate.
I like the idea of having a custom converter built, but I would like to see someone out there running a similar setup, so I have something to gauge my purchase against. I can't really do that against stock displacement off-the-shelf torque converters.
I like the idea of having a custom converter built, but I would like to see someone out there running a similar setup, so I have something to gauge my purchase against. I can't really do that against stock displacement off-the-shelf torque converters.
Last edited by JakeFusion; 10-17-2005 at 09:39 PM.
10-18-2005, 04:44 PM
#5
Our converters are built to the specifications given to us about the car at the time. It is reasonable for a converter that is rated to a stock car to see an increase from 2800 to 3200-3300 if a power jump that big is made. However, it would take considerable power to push a 2800 stall @350 hp to 3500, and the extra power would have to be made low.
10-18-2005, 09:52 PM
#6
Awesome. The more I look at your site and the opinions on this board, the more I'm liking Fuddle. Once I get everything finalized with the car I will begin to assemble my setup and you will be at the top of my list. Thanks!
Also, one question I have about throttle response with a small converter around 2800 stall/2.0 STR--would it remain snappy? I'm going with AFRs on a 383, which on a 6-speed gives great throttle response, but with a stall, does it even matter? I would think the stall has more to do with throttle response than the engine.
Also, one question I have about throttle response with a small converter around 2800 stall/2.0 STR--would it remain snappy? I'm going with AFRs on a 383, which on a 6-speed gives great throttle response, but with a stall, does it even matter? I would think the stall has more to do with throttle response than the engine.
10-20-2005, 11:53 AM
#7
Originally Posted by JakeFusion
Awesome. The more I look at your site and the opinions on this board, the more I'm liking Fuddle. Once I get everything finalized with the car I will begin to assemble my setup and you will be at the top of my list. Thanks!
Also, one question I have about throttle response with a small converter around 2800 stall/2.0 STR--would it remain snappy? I'm going with AFRs on a 383, which on a 6-speed gives great throttle response, but with a stall, does it even matter? I would think the stall has more to do with throttle response than the engine.
Also, one question I have about throttle response with a small converter around 2800 stall/2.0 STR--would it remain snappy? I'm going with AFRs on a 383, which on a 6-speed gives great throttle response, but with a stall, does it even matter? I would think the stall has more to do with throttle response than the engine.
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10-23-2005, 06:04 PM
#8
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You might look at Yank's SS3200 if you're leaning toward 3.15s, particularly if you're interested in retaining crisp throttle response (in which case you'll want higher STR.) Converters will stall a bit higher than advertised w/ increased power. Yanks have been popular among C5ers for a long time.
