Got a quote from the guy rebuilding our TH400 for a 2400-2800 Torque Converter. He called his "supplier" he says and came back with a range of $200-$400.

That seems like an incredibly broad range (100%) for what should be a fairly simple question. $400 also seems like an awful lot...

What should I expect to pay and what is a decent one that will go behind a mild 454 and a TH400?

???

I'll post out of my realm here, because I actually haven't bought a torque converter since the early 90's:-)

The price range goes way beyond what he told you ... expect between $200-1000. And from what I can tell, it's not a lot of just mark-up but actual increased workmanship and quality.

Don't freak ... I think just about all the street people are using the $200-400 B&M/TCI/etc. The higher dollar one's are primarily into racing or higher stall applications.

As far as picking one, torque converters seem to have more variables than picking a camshaft! Everything from engine spec's, to car weight, to gear ratios, to application ... and way beyond.

At the $200-400 range, you pretty much get to pick from about 1/2 dozen catalog items (nothing special) ... though I would have either yourself or tranny builder speak specifically to a manufacturer's tech support about vehicle parameters and your driving desires. They are there to help, and most are very kind to talk with ... plus torque converters and camshafts are two area to never take any "bench racing" advice to heart.

Neal

I think just about all the street people are using the $200-400 B&M/TCI/etc. The higher dollar one's are primarily into racing or higher stall applications.

Neil is correct.
I'm very happy with the B&M 2400 Holeshot in my application.
About $250 or so,last time I checked.
I wouldn't anything less than that convertor for a 454 with up to a 230 duration @ .050 cam