for example, i know the extra torque and heat made by a higher stall torque converter takes a beating on the trans, so im wondering how long do you guys think a stock trans with ss3600 or similar stall and a decent trans cooler will last. street driven car, never sees the track but will run into a mustang here and there when cruising, if you know what i mean. how long would you guys say it would last?

 

btw, i know there is no sure answer but if you could have a guess at it, or if you have an answer from your own experience, anything is helpful.

 

just like you said, there is no definite answer!! but honestly, with your car being an older LT1 i would definitely say it wont last that long.

 

The keys to long tranny life with a hi-stall converter are keeping the temp down, increased fluid supply, appropriate line pressure, and quick shifts. With these in place, your tranny will last as long with the higher stall converter as it would with stock. Maybe even longer, the converter being 20lbs lighter.

 

well the thing is, my trans might be basically toasted right now, and depending on how much i can get it built to oem specs compared to buying a performabuilt stage 2 i may be getting it built back to oem. but if i do this ill just have to make sure i have the proper trans cooler.

 

would a ss3600 be fine with just headers/full exhaust and little bolt ons, 3.73s until i get my 12 bolt and heads/cam/intake done?

i would get a little more mild stall for the time being but the reason i want to do a stall now is if i do have to have to transmission taken off and rebuilt i can get the trans cooler and stall done at that time. instead of keeping the stock stall or putting a different stall then going back later to replace it.

 

Get a big cooler, deep pan and a gauge to keep an eye on temps. Unless its already hurt, I would guess it should be fine. How many miles are on the trans?

 

0 miles, i will only do this if the trans gets rebuilt, im having a problem with something right now that may be the trans. my dad thinks its the injectors but there are a few things that are pointing me towards the trans. so if i end up replacing the trans i want to do the stall and trans cooler then, but depending on price i may get the trans rebuilt to oem specs or get a performabuilt stage 2.