Well, the engine is on the injured reserve for the remainder of the season. So, with time on my hands, I just can't leave well enough alone.

My present converter is a Continental 9" 5600 stall. I got this one when I was running a 468 BBC, 4.86 gears, and the car was about 100 lbs. lighter. And, I have others reasons to believe it is not the best converter for my set-up. With that in mind, what converter would you recomend?


64 Malibu 2900 lbs. (staged)
chrome-moly back-halfed/full cage
598 BBC, twin dominators, tunnel ram.
new cam will be solid roller with over .800 lift lots of duration, and Maybe 14 degree lobe separation.
Powerglide 1.76 low gear with a brake. 4.29 gears
16 x 15 33" Goodyears.
The front suspension has travel limiters.

I think that is all that is needed. I would like to hear what you think about converter brand, size, and stall.

Thanks

Ken Gasbarri

With a set up like that, you need to talk one on one with the man making the converter. Have you dyno'd the motor?

Dragn70;

I was thinking the same, but looking for which brands are better, and which are not. I also don't want to take some guys time and effort if the one I have is fairly close.

I haven't dyno'd it yet. Once we have it back together, we are going to put it on a chassis dyno, and see if we can find out why the rear two connecting rods keep breaking. We won't be able to do a full power test. When we go "balls to the wall", the chassis twists just enough to break the tranny case. On the track, it is not a problem because the chassis is strong enough to lift the front before bending it. On the dyno, the front is strapped down, and it bends under full throttle. I suppose someday I should fix that, and I will, just not now.

Anyway, any thoughts on which brand of converter to consider, and which to shy away from?

Thanks

Ken Gasbarri

BTE and PCT converters are realy growing in my area and a lot of people on this site like ATI. TCI is the only converters I have ever used but I have gone rounds with the tech line a few times over warenty work.

I think you might want something from ATI or Transmission Specialties, or Pro Torque for a converter but checking with someone with a really fast combination and you might get a better answer. I have a friend that does Transmissions and he did say that he didn't like the type that eliminates the converter sprague because they make the trans. run too hot. It sounds like you need a heavier Trans. case such as the J.W. Ultra Case and Ultra Bell or a Deadenbear also.

Dragn70 & Harold;

OK, thanks for your ideas. I guess I will give most of them a try. At least see what they recomend for my set-up. I would think the price is going to be competitive with all the national brands, but that also will be a factor.

About the tranny case. I had a real problem a few years ago. The same guy that hooked me up with my present converter did the back-half and cage. He didn't brace the front of the chassis, telling me that the "massive" size of the frame up front on a 64 Chevelle doesn't require one. Well, 7 tranny cases later, I took the car to another guy and he did a modified version of bracing the front. After that, I didn't break anymore cases at the track, but if I strap the front down on a chassis dyno and do a simulated launch, it breaks.

I have one of those CSI carbon fiber tranny/flexplate shields right now, but it expires before next season. It is about the only thing that will fit under the present tunnel, but it is still a PITA to install, so I plan on going with one of the "Super Cases" next season. I still won't go hard on the chassis dyno. Not at what those things cost.

Anyway gentlemen, once again, thank you for your help. I learn something each time I come here.

Ken Gasbarri