My transmission (4l60e) has been slipping lately and I've bought a used one from a member here that's supposed to be in good working order. I plan to buy a converter but I'm not really sure what to get.
Right now I've got a 5.3 making about 340/340 but I do plan on dropping in a ls2/l92 combo within the next year or so. The car is a 1986 Buick Regal, I drive it on the street and normally don't get into very high RPM. I do plan on racing occasionally. Also rear end is 3.42.

What should I get?

If any additional info is needed just let me know and I'll be glad to provide it. I'd like to make a decision soon.
Thanks for any and all input.

 

3600 with a good aftermarket cooler, and pick your company- Circle D, FTI, Yank, PI, etc. Just make sure it has a good lock-up clutch (i.e.- not TCI or similar)

 

+1
Perfect advice.

 

Which brand would give me the best bang for the buck? I've heard Yank is probably the best but I'd like to spend a little less if it's still possible to get a good product for less.

Also, is it worth it to buy a used converter?

 

PTC3600 would be around $500 and new.

 

Gotta pay to play... Any of the companies I mentioned will provide you with a good product.

As far as buying a used converter goes, I personally prefer not to. If I did buy one though, I would send it in for a cut and clean before I ran it personally. You never know what may have been sent through it from the trans it was previously installed in, which could ultimately end up in your "new" trans and take it out. Better safe than sorry usually.

 

That's exactly what I was thinking. I'll probably go with the PTC3600 if it's around $500 new.

 

I bought a used billet Circle D, sent it off to be cleaned, and scrapped it all. It was completely trashed. Beware buying used.

The same thing happened with my used 'working' 4l60e. 3-4 was non existent.

 

Yeah, I'm definitely not going used with the converter. I'd like to buy a new transmission but I just can't afford it right now. I'll just have to hope the used one I bought is in good working condition. I tried to do everything I could to make sure it was when I bought it. The guy sent me videos of the truck it supposedly came out of (I know you can take videos of anything) and it seemed to be shifting fine. I thought about having it built before putting it in but buying one new seems to be cheaper than having one built around here, prices are insane.
Is there any way to test it before going through all the trouble of installing it?

 

This.

I ordered a custom spec'd FTI 3800 billet lock-up 9.5 inch for my 2001 Trans Am. I ordered it when they had their Thanksgiving special (smoking deal)
My tranny lost 3-4 gears and is getting redone this week. I am also getting it tuned (Mail order by Frost) to correct the shift points and other stuff.

If you dont order/decide too soon, I am going to do a review on it (w/ video) so you can get an idea. Hopefully i'll have my car back and get the tune done by Saturday.

 

Just like the others have said something in the 3600 range with a good cooler would be good. Id call the companies mentioned and see what they recommend for you as they can build a custom one for your car with the future motor in mind and how you drive it.

I personally love my yank ss3600 and daily drove with it for a while and Dave at yank is a great guy to deal with. For being a street car that never sees the track its perfect imo.

 

I spent the extra coin for a yank, absolutely love this converter. When my 4L80E is ready to go in, I'll be calling yank to build me another converter. I have a 4k (totally streetable, it's my DD), but I'd probably do a SS3600 for your application

 

One of Yank's, Cricle D'c, or PTC's non billet converter would be fine for your setup as you won't be locking up the converter.

I had a SS3600 and it drive well with 3.73s. Left a bit to be desired in the 60fts and the shifter extension was ok. What you give up in all out performance you'll make up with driveability.

 

This is my exact feeling about the ss3600. It drives great but there are better performing converters out there. I think the next time my car is apart I might go a different route since this car is no longer my daily driver.

 

FTI hands down...I have a one in my TH400 and I love it. Greg is a very knowledgeable person, will answer any questions you have and make sure you are happy with his product. FTI's customer service is second to none. He has earned my business as well as a few friends of mine from here on out...check youtube for fti converters and you can watch the process

 

I watched the video (part 1 anyway) they seem to make a good product and I've heard good things about them. The hardest part of this whole thing is that I'm planning to put a different motor in at some point that will be a different animal. I hope to be using the same converter then. I guess I need to pick a converter for the next motor, not my 5.3 that's in there now.

 

Good thing about FTI:

From their site "FREE STALL ADJUSTMENTS WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR
We at FTI want the highest MPH and lowest E.T. from your racing converter so we offer a one year "free stall adjustment" provided the combination has remained the same. No other company in the industry offers this service for this period of time, as we strive for 100% customer satisfaction."

 

Yank does a 1 year free restall as well...

 

Most converter companies do.

 

I know several companies that have the same time period for restalls.