descent converter on the cheap?

With the combination you have now, there is not need for anything other than a stock converter. With a new camshaft there might be need for a higher stall, but the spec sheet supplied with the cam will give you recommendations. As a driver, you might want to check out www.ringpinion.com and see the rpm your engine will be turning over at a given MPH. If at 60MPH for instance, if your engine/axle/tire combination is only turning over at 2600 rpm, a converter that stalls in the 3000 to 3500 rpm range is slipping and sliding, creating a bunch of unwanted heat and burning far too much 3.50+ per gallon gas.

Match whatever converter you buy TO YOUR ENGINE/AXLE/TIREcombination you have and you'll be a happy camper. A properly applied high stall is a great $$ investment, a poorly applied high stall isn't.

If you send me a pm, along with your home email, I'll send you the spec sheet we used at my old employers that was used when someone ordered a high stall.

I agree with this about the slippage but there is also the factor of efficiency. this is where you get what you pay for. I have a 4500 stall from dynamic that has VERY LITTLE slippage at cruise rpm. My car does 2900rpm at 60 mph. with 4.10 gears and 28" tall tires. if you do the math that is very little slippage. I had a 3500 rpm stall from hughes in the car prior and it would cruise at 3200 rpm at 60. no other changes.