Torque Converter Need it or not????
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 19
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Torque Converter Need it or not???? new to the forum hope this is the right section. I'm running a ls swap and it's a ls3 with a 6l80e Trans out of a Camaro. Putting it into a 72 impala convertible with 3:73 rear end and long tube headers running a Brian tooley stage II cam everything else stock except running larger wheels 24 or 26. Want a cruiser I can take out of town but have some power and decent mpg.
I've contacted yank and no answer from circle d. I've been told I can run the stock converter with my setup no problem but then told I want a higher stall. I'm kind of lost on what stalls do. I figured more for racing application to get up in the rpms for better launch.
I've heard cars at lights make alot of noise and taking off from a light but not really moving and was told thats a stall. Any info if I would want one or need one is appreciated and the stalls people say if I do is the yank ss3200 or the circle d 3000 stall. If anyone has a slightly used one in either brand I would love to here about that too. Thanks
I've contacted yank and no answer from circle d. I've been told I can run the stock converter with my setup no problem but then told I want a higher stall. I'm kind of lost on what stalls do. I figured more for racing application to get up in the rpms for better launch.
I've heard cars at lights make alot of noise and taking off from a light but not really moving and was told thats a stall. Any info if I would want one or need one is appreciated and the stalls people say if I do is the yank ss3200 or the circle d 3000 stall. If anyone has a slightly used one in either brand I would love to here about that too. Thanks
Last edited by twentyways; Feb 19, 2018 at 01:13 AM.
Here is a video that explains how a torque converter works.
A properly matched Camshaft and Torque Converter will drive better and accelerate better.
In simple terms if your cam doesn't start making power (torque) until a much higher rpm than your stock camshaft did then it will actually feel lazy until it reaches that point.
A properly matched Camshaft and Torque Converter will drive better and accelerate better.
In simple terms if your cam doesn't start making power (torque) until a much higher rpm than your stock camshaft did then it will actually feel lazy until it reaches that point.
Keep in mind that a 3,600 rpm stall converter will still start moving the car long before the motor reaches 3,600rpms unless you use a transbrake or foot brake the car. With a quality brand converter the car will still drive somewhat normally with a 2,800 rpm converter when you lightly step on the gas, But will feel more powerful if you put it to the floor from a stop. We put a Yank 3,600rpm stall in a Nova running a completely stock 6.0 , Ease on the gas and it will pull away from a stop at 1,100-1,200 rpms but put the pedal to the floor from a stop and the rpms jump to around 3,000 and it will spin the tires thru 2nd gear.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 19
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LS3 Stage II 3 Bolt Cam 225/238 .612"/.585" 113+3
This cam has made over 470rwhp in LS3 Camaro and Corvettes.
Will work with stock converter L76 G8 GT, 2010-2015 L99 Camaro, and 2008-2013 C6 corvette.
I know it might make a difference with the size of the swap car and the size of tires and rims... Thanks for the info so far
Last edited by twentyways; Feb 19, 2018 at 05:58 AM.
A lockup converter will lockup at highway speeds helping your cruise efficiency so stall speed won't have any effect at that point. Your tune and final drive ratio (gear ratio/tire size) will play a big part.
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Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2018
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My LS2 with a BTR stage 2 needed a higher stall TC (I believe stock is 1800 or 1900). It would surge at idle, even with that small of a cam (227/234 .614"/.576" 113+2). I went FTI 3200. A lot of cams don't start making real power until 2500+ RPMs, so a higher stall TC is preferred. I don't recall where the stage 2's power band starts. My city gas mileage is terrible with all the stops and the 3200 stall, but freeway isn't too bad once it locks up. Like AnotherWs6 said above, you'll want one with that cam. You may want to give FTI a call and see what they recommend. They're a sponsor too 
i'd just like to add when you kick down the gas on a stock stall you maybe rev to 2200-2500 max then start pulling / climbing rpms. when you start that low your engine is maybe putting down 1/2 to 2/3 of your max rwhp until you reach around 4k rpm. that time is costing you ET. but if you have a better stall your instantly putting down near max rwhp resulting in quicker ET. the only downside is loss of city gas milage , i lost about 2 mpg & can feel loose / mushy , mine does with 2:73's. i rode in a 3600 stall with 3:73's and that felt smooth from a start. hope that helps! good stall is like 20 pounds lighter and chops about .5 off your ET.
To OP from your post #1,
'I figured more for racing application to get up in the rpms for better launch.' For better launch provided traction is available. And for regular driving too for such as needing to speed up to pass someone.
'I've heard cars at lights make alot of noise and taking off from a light but not really moving and was told thats a stall.' That would be a very loose stall and not representative of a quality stall.
'Everyone seems to be saying 3200 or 3600 so what's a stall in the 2800 range help with for street app see those in a lot of g8 and camaro applications.' 3200-4000,3200 minimum,4000s' are starting to become popular. A 2800 would be very disappointing for street.
'I figured more for racing application to get up in the rpms for better launch.' For better launch provided traction is available. And for regular driving too for such as needing to speed up to pass someone.
'I've heard cars at lights make alot of noise and taking off from a light but not really moving and was told thats a stall.' That would be a very loose stall and not representative of a quality stall.
'Everyone seems to be saying 3200 or 3600 so what's a stall in the 2800 range help with for street app see those in a lot of g8 and camaro applications.' 3200-4000,3200 minimum,4000s' are starting to become popular. A 2800 would be very disappointing for street.