SiskMan

I used a stock 98 LS1 cam that I had laying around. Much better than the 5.3 camshaft. But you are right, it needs a cam upgrade. And it needs tires for the track. Im happy with it right now so ill probably do suspension and brakes next.

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

I think your approach makes a lot of sense. A lot of aftermarket converter companies use that same core, upgrade the internals a bit, and charge $400-500 for it.

mrvedit

And I agree with you your approach on this too as I like my cars to handle well and especially stop from the speed of a stronger engine.

SiskMan

Yep Ill probably do some shocks, the budget ZO6 rotor/CTS-V Caliper upgrade, and then some subframe connectors. Then after that maybe ill work on adding more power.

SiskMan

Thats what I heard. I thought id give it a shot for just over $100, whats the worst that could happen. Helped my launch out a ton, even with all season tires. My buddy has a pair of slicks that I may try to borrow to see what the stall can really do. I had to really manage the gas on the launch with these tires.

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

Yeah, you can't get an idea of what a stall is really doing for you without sticky tires. I dropped 3 tenths going from Nittos to Mickeys because then I could flash it and dead hook.

SiskMan

Yea i hear ya. I can imagine how much harder my launch could be. But still MUCH harder than the stock stall.

SiskMan

The O'Reilly trailblazer stall is still holding up just fine! taken it to the track countless times and I always beat on it when i drive the car. Great budget converter for anyone who still wants stock like drive ability and a much harder launch.

Just did a Transgo HD2 shift kit as well. Another great budget mod for the 4L60e that should be on anyone's list in my opinion. Not at all complicated for the average guy either. If you can do an LS cam swap you can do the HD2 kit.

Thanks for all the replies guys!

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

Thanks for the update. Once again, I find myself in agreement. I did a lot of research leading up to it, and had the HD-2 kit installed with my first converter. This plus tuning has given me a tranny that has done everything I want from it for 110k and counting.

warriorpluto

iTrader: (2)

Did you take to use spacers with the converter? Or installed just by bolting up?

SiskMan

SiskMan

Update June 2019, I had no issues to report with this converter. Swapped to a T56 in the car. Now my truck has the same Oreilly converter and i daily drive it with no issues to report. It has been installed for a couple years now.

sheza65

What year transmission(s) did you use? Do you have the converter part number and/or model year for the Trailblazer?

I want to do this for my 2000 4L60e from a Silverado, but I think the input shaft diameter changed at some point.

Tranzman

As long as it's an LS based 2000 4L60E the trailblazer converter will work. I do it all the time. Just doulble check the converter pad to flexplate clearance. 1/8"-3/16" Max. Shim it if its more...

sheza65

Is the lock up clutch just as strong as a v8 converter?

The 5.3L with TSP stage 2 truck cam is going in my Jeep Wrangler. Occasionally, I will pull a 3500 lb trailer. Do you think there would be any issues in a 4x4 / rock crawling or towing application?

MaroonMonsterLS1

No the lockup clutch is smaller.
Only use lockup when cruising under light load.

SiskMan

UPDATE
Got rid of the truck a year or two ago and it was still going strong with the trailblazer converter. Part number GM55 at oreilly. It had a texas speed NSR cam and that converter in a 4.8 and it drove great.

MaroonMonsterLS1

for anybody that cares
I decided to try this converter for myself just to see how it would behave
let me tell ya...poopy dog water

it stalls higher...if that's all you care about...it'll be fine

but it drives like *** in a heavy vehicle for daily driving.
Mushy/sloppy/crappy
If you like the feeling of driving a golf cart...this is the converter for you

If you just want the absolute cheapest thing that will work with a larger duration camshaft...this is the converter for you

I kept having customers ask and ask about it and decided I'd just try one and after a few months of daily driver duty...I hate it and it'll be coming out for a nice unit.

But...to the OP's point...it is cheap. and it does work. and it didn't die.

sheza65

I used this torque converter too. It is in a 5,000 lb Jeep Wrangler on 35" tires with 5.3L and BTR stage 2 truck cam. It works really well. It has noticeably higher stall RPM, but not too much, and gets the engine into its its power much better. My converter isn't sloppy or mushy.

MaroonMonsterLS1

Don't mean to be rude
have you ever driven something with a properly spec'd converter with the right diameter and stator?
You'd get the same stall, with much better driving characteristics, and would be faster as well

If you're happy with it great, but for someone wanting this in a TBSS, or a silverado/sierra, etc...especially with factory rear gear ratio...it's gonna feel like poopy

either that or I'm picky and other people just don't seem to care/notice the nuances of how a converter should behave