Converter questions from a newb
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Stroudsburg, Pa
Converter questions from a newb Hello all! This is my first post, i've come to you from the world of front driver imports 
and now own a '03 ss pickup 
. So far i've got a flowmaster big block series muffler and slp airbox setup. Next i would like to improve the shifting, throttle response, getup and go catagory. I've read quite a bit about torque converters but still dont understand completely what it would feel like to drive an equipped vehicle. My first question is does the vehicle have to reach the stall speed each time you hit the gas to actualy engage? even when already in motion, say when your coasting and get back on the gas? I'm assuming something like a 3000 is not daily driver friendly...from what ive read the transgo setup is good. and also a vette servo? the auto tranny is somewhat a mystery to me but i know stock is never acceptable. by the way my trans is 4L85-E. thanks for any imput or advice as to what direction to head.
and now own a '03 ss pickup . So far i've got a flowmaster big block series muffler and slp airbox setup. Next i would like to improve the shifting, throttle response, getup and go catagory. I've read quite a bit about torque converters but still dont understand completely what it would feel like to drive an equipped vehicle. My first question is does the vehicle have to reach the stall speed each time you hit the gas to actualy engage? even when already in motion, say when your coasting and get back on the gas? I'm assuming something like a 3000 is not daily driver friendly...from what ive read the transgo setup is good. and also a vette servo? the auto tranny is somewhat a mystery to me but i know stock is never acceptable. by the way my trans is 4L85-E. thanks for any imput or advice as to what direction to head. I have a 3800 stall, the trango kit with all 3 washers, aftermarket billet servos, and a tranny cooler. I am not frightened to drive it daily at all. I wouldn't be afraid to throw the keys to my mother and let her drive it. As long as she doesn't floor it! Because now, anytime you stand one it, you are directly in the good part of the power band. Does that answer your question?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 184
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From: Stroudsburg, Pa
Originally Posted by itchygomey98
I have a 3800 stall, the trango kit with all 3 washers, aftermarket billet servos, and a tranny cooler. I am not frightened to drive it daily at all. I wouldn't be afraid to throw the keys to my mother and let her drive it. As long as she doesn't floor it! Because now, anytime you stand one it, you are directly in the good part of the power band. Does that answer your question?
how many miles do you have on this part combination so far? are you talking about a car or truck? i didnt see a forum for truck trannies. my truck is full time awd so wouldnt that make it that much harder on it? well plus it weighs 5100lbs.
Only about 4000 miles. I would call yank or another reputable converter builder to ask them which one would be best for you. All I'm saying, is that a high stall can be very drivable. I agree though, I wouldn't do what I have done to a full weight, all time AWD truck.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 184
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From: Stroudsburg, Pa
Originally Posted by itchygomey98
Only about 4000 miles. I would call yank or another reputable converter builder to ask them which one would be best for you. All I'm saying, is that a high stall can be very drivable. I agree though, I wouldn't do what I have done to a full weight, all time AWD truck.
ok, thanks for your input! I think calling most companies will just lead me to believe whatever they wanna sell me. Im sure talking to more people like yourself who OWN these parts will make my decision easier.
anyone else? keep in mind this stupid AWD truck crap....think i should scrap the awd next? ive got a beater car for the winters
My car is a daily driver and I have had a 3600,4000 and 4200 stall in my car. They are suprisingly very driveable. I have about 15k miles on my set up and have not had a lick of problems. Since that truck is soo heavy I would put atleast a 3200 in... JMO These LS based motors like RPMs 
As for dumping the AWD... I would not do it... but that is me, although it would save you alot of weight and that equals faster times.
As for dumping the AWD... I would not do it... but that is me, although it would save you alot of weight and that equals faster times. 
11 Second Club
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 263
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From: North Carolina
Whats going to be drivable to you might not be drivable to someone else. Find someone near you that has a big converter(3800 or bigger) and go for a ride. It took me a little time to get used to my 3800.....but it is very drivable if you dont mind the noise off your exhaust(i love it!) off the line and people thinking you are hauling *** when you are turning 3000 rpms doing 25 in 3rd gear! once the converter locks(after you sustain a speed for a little bit) it acts just like stock except when you punch it! Trending Topics
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Stroudsburg, Pa
ok, so once the truck is moving, it (the motor) will still lug down on hills to 1500 rpm or so and will still be locked and moving? i just wanted to make sure that every time you let off the gas completely you dont need to hit 3200 or whatever it is to make the thing accelerate again. that would get annoying. i will look for someone in my area to give me a ride, thanks again guys.
-on a side note, with a few decent mods, say nelson tune, slp intake, exhaust i stated previously and a converter....if i ditch the awd system would i have enough hp to were i would have a big problem with launching? this motor is 348@ crank stock....
-on a side note, with a few decent mods, say nelson tune, slp intake, exhaust i stated previously and a converter....if i ditch the awd system would i have enough hp to were i would have a big problem with launching? this motor is 348@ crank stock....
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Originally Posted by stealth03ss
ok, so once the truck is moving, it (the motor) will still lug down on hills to 1500 rpm or so and will still be locked and moving? i just wanted to make sure that every time you let off the gas completely you dont need to hit 3200 or whatever it is to make the thing accelerate again. that would get annoying. i will look for someone in my area to give me a ride, thanks again guys.
-on a side note, with a few decent mods, say nelson tune, slp intake, exhaust i stated previously and a converter....if i ditch the awd system would i have enough hp to were i would have a big problem with launching? this motor is 348@ crank stock....
-on a side note, with a few decent mods, say nelson tune, slp intake, exhaust i stated previously and a converter....if i ditch the awd system would i have enough hp to were i would have a big problem with launching? this motor is 348@ crank stock....
