Bachert24

iTrader: (4)

I'm picking out some parts for my SS and it occurred to me that I may need an upgraded converter. At what point is this a necessary upgrade?

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

When it's stock lol. I would say a converter is necessary before you do a cam. The car will be more enjoyable to drive with a converter and stock cam vs. cam and stock converter.

murphinator

iTrader: (2)

I agree with mjs above mandatory with a cam or it will be a turd stick - common problem to cam a car and make it slower if it doesn't have a 3600-4000 stall in place.

Also agree with his half joking remark that is needed stock , I think it is a great first mod because that one mod will transform the attitude of the car more than any bolt on type mod other than spray , it immediately drops you right into the power band , the car will act like you added 100 hp

Bachert24

iTrader: (4)

Ok good to know, thanks guys. I'm planning on GT12 cam, dual spring kit, hardened pushrods, dual chain timing set, and headers. Car came with slp exhaust from the factory. What stall would you recommend with this setup? 3600? I assume the tranny will hold up as this will be the extent of the power mods. Car has only 36k miles so the tranny is still like new.

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

A 3600 will be fine. Just make sure whenever you put the new converter in that you get a big cooler.

Ohio Bird of Prey

I got my Bird in 01 and the first mod I did was a Trailblazer TC and that put me in the high 12's. I'm on my 3rd TC now it is a YANK and it kick ***. Good luck with your ride.

Bachert24

iTrader: (4)

Is the cooler built in or is that an external part?

FTICONVERTERS

iTrader: (3)

we like your thinking.

FirstYrLS1Z

iTrader: (4)

I'm late to this thread but agree with the LOL comment. All auto f-bods should have had an option box on the order for a performance convertor,and not the crappy B&M ones that were an option with/at SLP.

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

It's external. The stock "cooler" inside the radiator won't do a good job at keeping trans fluid temps down. A higher than stock stall speed converter will generate a lot more heat so you need to keep the fluid cool.

I prefer to bypass the stock cooler and just use a big stand alone cooler, and I'm sure many here do the same. A popular cooler is the B&M 70264, and if you're interested I have one for sale I can get give you a good deal on.

Bachert24

iTrader: (4)

Cool thanks, I sent you a pm.