Another one of those: Converter brand choice between CircleD, Yank, and FTI
11-28-2012, 05:23 PM
#1
Another one of those: Converter brand choice between CircleD, Yank, and FTI So, I'm settled out on my heads cam package. Ai HCR 219cc 241 heads with either an EPS 226/234 or Ai aggressive lobed 228/236 cam (still deciding which one, but not a huge difference). I'll be driving with a stock 10-bolt with 3.23s. I will be running 315s, but I don't know if I'm going to go with drag radials or not since I do fancy a car that can handle and survive the torrential downpours we get here in Florida.
Anyway, the car is a street car that doesn't see track time. With that said, I do want a much faster street car that's fun, has no dead spots, is strong from a roll (and really everywhere), and that drives nice without being too sloppy. I also don't want a ton of excessive slippage and heat. So, I'll be going with a Hayden 30k unit.
Right now I've narrowed it down to the following choices based on conversations with Dave, Greg, and Chris. All have great products and similar pricing/warranty/restall. So it's not a crap shoot, but just a who do I feel most comfortable with kind of thing. And what product really will be best for me.
Yank SS3600
CircleD 3C 3500
FTI 3600
I think the FTI can be custom tailored to fit whatever I want, but off the shelf, the SS3600 is probably the tightest of the group. All seem to have similar shift extensions (~1200rpm), and all seem to have similar street manners (with maybe the 3C being slightly looser than the SS3600). Efficiency, I think FTI and CircleD are probably a hair more efficient than the SS series because of it's higher STR and tighter feel.
FTI actually has the lowest advertised STR of 1.86 for their "base" converter, while CircleD is around 2.1 and the SS3600 is 2.5. That also matters for street tires or even Drag Radials at street PSI for gripping worth a damn.
The SS3600 I'm able to find a ton of information on since it's been around for a long time, so it's the "safe" choice. I have a good idea of what I'm getting with it without having actually driven a car with one.
But I've heard excellent things about FTI and CircleD and want to consider them as well.
Any insights?
Anyway, the car is a street car that doesn't see track time. With that said, I do want a much faster street car that's fun, has no dead spots, is strong from a roll (and really everywhere), and that drives nice without being too sloppy. I also don't want a ton of excessive slippage and heat. So, I'll be going with a Hayden 30k unit.
Right now I've narrowed it down to the following choices based on conversations with Dave, Greg, and Chris. All have great products and similar pricing/warranty/restall. So it's not a crap shoot, but just a who do I feel most comfortable with kind of thing. And what product really will be best for me.
Yank SS3600
CircleD 3C 3500
FTI 3600
I think the FTI can be custom tailored to fit whatever I want, but off the shelf, the SS3600 is probably the tightest of the group. All seem to have similar shift extensions (~1200rpm), and all seem to have similar street manners (with maybe the 3C being slightly looser than the SS3600). Efficiency, I think FTI and CircleD are probably a hair more efficient than the SS series because of it's higher STR and tighter feel.
FTI actually has the lowest advertised STR of 1.86 for their "base" converter, while CircleD is around 2.1 and the SS3600 is 2.5. That also matters for street tires or even Drag Radials at street PSI for gripping worth a damn.
The SS3600 I'm able to find a ton of information on since it's been around for a long time, so it's the "safe" choice. I have a good idea of what I'm getting with it without having actually driven a car with one.
But I've heard excellent things about FTI and CircleD and want to consider them as well.
Any insights?
11-28-2012, 05:41 PM
#4
Only first hand experience with Yank.
I know enough about all three to know that Fti comes out on top in this line up.
Fti makes an awesome converter, there are reasons I wouldn't choose the other two over them as well though.
I know enough about all three to know that Fti comes out on top in this line up.
Fti makes an awesome converter, there are reasons I wouldn't choose the other two over them as well though.
Last edited by lemons12; 12-03-2012 at 11:57 PM.
11-28-2012, 07:00 PM
#5
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I live local to FTI's shop so, I stopped by there on a whim to chat. I was impressed with his operation and knowledge. The locals that run his converter rave about it. The previously mentioned seem reputable as well but, FTI has my vote. Besides, keep your money in Fl.
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11-28-2012, 08:32 PM
#10
Also I've seen a lot on the B&M 70264 cooler. Think that'll be enough or something like the Hayden 1609?
Not a big difference in them (24k GVW vs 30k) but both are complete kits, which I like. I know B&M makes some that are like twice as large as the 70264, but for a relatively low stall like the ones I'm looking at, I think either of these will work.
Hayden, dimensionally, is larger but thinner. Seems like the 70264 would be easier to tuck up.
Not a big difference in them (24k GVW vs 30k) but both are complete kits, which I like. I know B&M makes some that are like twice as large as the 70264, but for a relatively low stall like the ones I'm looking at, I think either of these will work.
Hayden, dimensionally, is larger but thinner. Seems like the 70264 would be easier to tuck up.
11-30-2012, 02:15 PM
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Let's put it this way, there isn't a bad one in the bunch, I think it's more about relationship as a torque converter isn't a one size fits all. What's interesting is each builder has a little different idea of how to do the same thing.
I think it would be cool to have each builder build a converter to the same information on the car and see how each one works.
I think it would be cool to have each builder build a converter to the same information on the car and see how each one works.
11-30-2012, 05:24 PM
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Let's put it this way, there isn't a bad one in the bunch, I think it's more about relationship as a torque converter isn't a one size fits all. What's interesting is each builder has a little different idea of how to do the same thing.
I think it would be cool to have each builder build a converter to the same information on the car and see how each one works.
I think it would be cool to have each builder build a converter to the same information on the car and see how each one works.
12-01-2012, 12:15 AM
#16
Let's put it this way, there isn't a bad one in the bunch, I think it's more about relationship as a torque converter isn't a one size fits all. What's interesting is each builder has a little different idea of how to do the same thing.
I think it would be cool to have each builder build a converter to the same information on the car and see how each one works.
I think it would be cool to have each builder build a converter to the same information on the car and see how each one works.
This is an example:
This is a billet cover, triple disc setup for a 4L80E that was behind 800 HP/ 1500 LB/FT diesel setup in a 6000 lb combo.
Anybody see the problem?
I believe a customer should at least get what they pay for. There are no guarantees in this business that a customer won't break something.
A fancy billet converter means nothing if its just "bling". You still have to do the "basics".