Formulated

iTrader: (16)

I'm trying to come up with a reliable daily driver converter spec with a low stall speed. After reading this board for a while I've noticed that everyone pretty much uses a 10inch or 9.5inch converter. For a daily driver I was considering an 11inch converter because of the larger lockup clutch area. I would expect bullet proof reliability from an 11inch converter. I don't know, though, what the practical performance difference is between a 10/9.5inch converter and an 11inch converter. I would be looking for a stall speed at 3000rpm for either of them.

Anyone got any experience with this? or am I worrying too much about the clutch?

Yank

iTrader: (181)

http://www.converter.cc/converters/street/GM/1/main.htm

Our Stealth 3000 will reduce 1/4 mile times by .45 to.50 and was designed to work with the stock PCM
but our SS3200 will have a better drop

12secSS

iTrader: (30)

The 10" and 9.5" converters use pretty much the same cores, it is just how/who is measuring the converter size. Some aftermarket units, like Yanks, use a larger then OEM sized TCC, which is more stronger and durable then the OEM. If that is what you are after, durability, then opt for a low stall like mentioned but stay with a billet cover. Billet covered units typically have the "enlarged" TCC vs stock. The 11" versions are typically from V6/I6 cores, but most retain the stock TCC, which is radially smaller then the one found on V8s. This will not last as long in a bolt-on (or more mods) vehicle.

Stock TCC lining is made from a woven composite material, that is patented by GM. It is a durable lining, yet designed for smooth enagement with PWM. Although it is not intended for abuse. They measure (for a V8) 12" in diameter (V6 is 9"), 1" wide and about 3/32" thick or less. Aftermarket TCC lining are made from various materials, rangeing from kevlar (bad rep.) to multi-composite (paper-like) material. These linings are typically 9" in diameter, 2" wide and around 1/8" thick.

Hoep this helps!

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

The 11" is going to be heavier, more inertia, more driveline shock on hard shifts.

Formulated

iTrader: (16)

Thanks for the feedback. This is definately some good information.

One other thing that comes to mind.... Given the same stall speed, which converter would run cooler? I would presume the 11inch converter. I'm wondering if I can get away with an 11inch converter and the stock ATF cooler.

12secSS

iTrader: (30)

Obviously the 11" would, due to more fluid capacity and more efficient. You can use an 11" 3000 with a stock cooler. But once you exceed the 3000 mark on 11" converters, their extra mass helps to decrease the efficiency faster. This is due to the required modifications needed to allow a higher stall speed. What are you trying to accomplish and what mods to you have (future and current)?

Formulated

iTrader: (16)

You've confirmed so far what I have been thinking.

What I'm trying to accomplish is a reliable daily driver. By daily driver, I mean 90 miles per day. I don't want to butcher the car, and I don't want to detract from it's factory refinement anymore than I have to. I also don't want to pull the transmission every 30k miles for a converter rebuild. That's why I was considering the 11inch converter, for reliability. I am able to tune the car with EFI Live, so that won't be a problem, unless I create one. I have a 3.73 gear in the stock 10 bolt. I'm aspiring to 224/224 w/ 114LSA cam, and 243 heads. The car will have stock manifolds and catalytic converters for emissions. Other than that, the car has all of the typical bolt ons.

One of my serious concerns with the 11inch converter is ballooning. The 10inch converters have less mass/inertia, and many of them come with anti ballooning plates. Since the LS1 is a slightly high reving engine, by traditional standards, I think the anti ballooning may be very important.

I don't have anything against the small converters, or installing coolers. My main goal is to install a converter once.

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

I don't think a 11" is going to be more reliable than a well-built 9.5." There is also less weight to lug against with the smaller one locked-up when doing those SoCal freeway miles. I would go with the SS3200.

Yank

iTrader: (181)

some of the info here might help you
http://www.converter.cc/faq/faq_main.htm#5

BlackHawk T/A

iTrader: (3)

I second that.

Formulated

iTrader: (16)

Thanks for all of the feedback. Having this input is making my decision easier.