what brand torque converter do you have?
How satisfied are you with it? 1-10

I am trying to decide between a
TCI sat nigh special (2200 stall) $150
Coan (2200-2400 stall) $300
ATI $450+

I was thinking of getting the TCI and if it fails it is not too hard to replace it.
Coan??
ATI....... I don't see the point of spending more money on a TC than i paid for the trans to be rebuilt. My engine rebuilder said ATI is the best of the three.

What would you pick? keep in mind i am 18 and I just want a not so slow but relieable cruiser.

Brian

Check out the BTE converters first.

I've been buying Coan's for 20 years. First class guys to deal with. Alway great product, they take the time to build the correct unit for your set-up.

Brian,

if it fails, it is not just the converter that you have to replace, metal will go through the trans. If the converter balloons it can damage the crankshaft thrust surface and ruin your motor.

Converter selection is one of the most important decisions in a performance project and is taken way too lightly. It is that old saying "pay me now or pay me later".

it is better to save up for the quality piece and delay your project a few more weeks than to rush into something only to regret it later.

Before buying a BTE do some research or email me.

On the low end I like B&M, I currently am running a 10" ATI, I can't complain about 1.51 60 ft times with a 3500-3800 stall :thumbsup:

I'm happy with my B&M 2400 Holeshot
If my car was more race than street,I'd spring for an ATI

ATI 4500 rpm stall converter...1.500 60' last Friday which is amazing to me considering the TQ involved.

Get what you pay for, right? Personally, I will stay far away from TCI. Did'nt like converter and they're transbrake valve bodies had sloppy build-won't go into details except to say it burned up my tranny just backing off trailer! Have gone with Cheetah transbrake valve body and shifter and at present a custom converter from guy in Redding CA. Coan or ATI are good companies from everything I've heard! Goodluck!

B&M Holeshot 3000

B+M holeshot 2400...now if only I could get my car to hook up:)

I've got a Hughes 3000 stall but it won't be installed until tomorrow.

I'm a big fan of ATI products, I used a 8 inch in the stupid stock car, around 5500 rpm, trans brake etc. I beat that thing to death and never hurt it.

Not near as much fun as a stick car but a little easier on parts.

This is always a good question when it comes up, and is sort of like asking what a person's favorite kind of beer is, lol. Most of the companies mentioned all build quality stuff. But, no matter how many will praise a certain brand there will always be a horror story out there about them. Look for a converter with anti-ballooning plates front and rear, or there are some that even use investment-cast fronts on them as does BTE, clear on down through their 11" street/strip non-lockup converter line. Find out what kind of warranty they have too. It can vary greatly. Also, where you buy can make a difference as well. Dealer support is important, at least in my opinion. I have yet to be rebuffed on a request for customer assistance on a converter issue from BTE, TCI and JW, the three that I deal with daily.

BTE from Mr. Oldani above. Haven't been able to drive it yet.

Running an Art Carr converter with billet housing in my 700R4 transmission. Works great and have not had any problems with it in the past 2 years.

i have been running an 11" tci breakaway convertor for about 2 years of limited driving without any problems yet.

I have a 2500 Coan and love it. Runs great car launches hard. Flashes a little higher with my 489 but best one I have had yet.

Well i think i am going to get a B&M 12" holeshot 2000 for $164 I wishh it was higher but it is what they recommened.

what is the diferenct from a 11" and a 12 inch?

my second choice is a ATI 11" 2500 for $273

Smaller diameter converter will generally have higher stall speed abilities. In the 11" converter group I feel the BTE is a pretty nice deal for $260...they now use the investment-cast steel front housing just like their race converters do. Stall speed range with them is in the 2500-2800 area. They made the move to the investment-cast fronts some time ago in the 11" and smaller converters. It greatly increases the strength of the converter as opposed to an OEM front with ballooning plate added to it. The back cover is the same as most others; uses a ballooning plate there.

thanks mr Oldani

I will be using a PTC if the application demands a quality "custom" made converter.

My experience with BTE in this area was disappointing.

I've had decent luck using Summit converters. Their $99 2200 converter would outperform the BTE that was 4 times the cost.

Would not have been a problem if BTE would have stood behind their product.
They are not a racer friendly company IME.

Steve will bend over backwards to help you out, but I would have him get you a shelf TCi before I would risk a BTE again.

PTC treated me well when BTE did not.

I've also seen people have good luck with the B&M converters.

For a mild application, like a street cruiser, I'd say order a Summit or Jegs brand converter, or maybe an off the shelf TCI.

For a more serious car, I would contact PTC.

I will tell you to do alot of research. I haven't heard ANYTHING bad about PTC or Neil Chance. Coan and ATI also usually get real good customer feedback, don't recall anybody saying anything specific bad about them.

Some like Continental, and a stock racer friend of mine runs an A-1, so there are lots of choices.

I have a A-1. Works great. I've heard nothing but good about Continental. Munsinger is excellent, if you can wait for a few months for him to build it (it's just a two man shop).

CK performance built mine - 2200 stall on TH400 w/454. I am extremely happy with the performance and price. Totally streetable with a nice flash and kick.

I have a restalled GN convertor from CK Perf. I believe he has Pro Torque do em.

I have a Hughes Performance 2800 stall. I could probably use a little bit more stall, but it works out good.