Stroker Performance Review
The converter I had bought for a 318 last year that was hopped up some. Then I got to building this 408. I didn't realize that converters had changed so much but it has been in my mind that the converter may be on the smaller side. This is something I would like to upgrade as money allows.
My main concern to start with is the engine output. I will do leak down and compression testing and if all that looks right upgrade the fuel system with new Carter Strip pump and 3/8 line and pickup and fuel pressure regulator to eliminate that as a possible issue. Also shim the springs to get the seat pressure where it should be. From what I learned in this thread with Trickflows discrepancy that it is really more like 110 at the seat most likely and it should be more in the 135-145 area.
I would be concerned about the output too..
But you said your converter was built for a 318 ?!?! My money is on THAT being the problem, for the most part. Your new motor is driving through it.
I don't know what converter you have (who made it) but I would send it back and correct it for your new combo. Maybe $250, more if they change the stator. (probably)
If you have a stock 10 3/4 lying around, throw it in, shift it at 5800 and see how it MPH's... if it gains 4-5 mph, you've found your issue.
TrickFlows QC is probably a lot better than Edelbrock's QC... I had a OOTB E Streets in my shop a couple weeks ago, and the Valve seat run-out was horrendous!
Don't put too much stock in the Leak-Down testers.. They are finiky with piston possition and tend to show a false negative.
A compression check should suffice, as long as they're consistent, cyl to cyl.
