Converter question

[grassy]

Dumb question I think but I was asked by a vendor if I had a torque or stall converter for my auto trans...aren't they the same thing ?

Grassy

 

[fishy68]

It's a torque converter and every torque converter stalls out. Just a matter of what rpm they stall at. The factory designed torque converters stall at low rpm's because they didn't need a lot of rpm for the small cam the engine had. Aftermarket converters are designed to stall at a higher rpm because modified engines generally have a cam much larger than stock which decreases low rpm torque. By raising the stall speed the engine is allowed to get into the "power band" quicker making the car faster. Also since big cams idle rough and at a higher rpm a "loose" (high stall) converter cushions engagement when you drop it in gear. Converter stall is basically a controlled slip.

 

[grassy]

OK, so now I am really confused. What you are saying makes a lot of sense to me and is what I generally though it would be but I just rec'ed a winger of a question from a parts company.

I though it would be nice to use new nuts in the torque converter. So this company has two types. Mopar and non mopar. So I scooted where I am keeping my stash of parts..well away from my wife's normal walking patterns ..and I find it is MOPAR unit...so I sent that info back to the company that it is a chrysler unit.

I get this back in return mail.. Is it a factory/stock torque converter or is it a stall converter?

Am I missing something. This guy has helpend me to find a part so I want to buy other stuff as a thank-you.

thanks
ian.

 

[70aarcuda]

there are two sizes of threads on mopar converters....stock converter and stock converter replacements use a 5/16 thread...

the performance or race converters use a 7/16 thread.....

the converter bolts are special bolts in that they have thin heads to help clear the back of the engine.....

and always use loctite on the threads..

 

[fishy68]

The bolt size is the only thing I can think of that the guy is talking about. Apparently he doesn't know a lot about converters because many aftermarket high stall converters still utilize the stock 5/16" size bolts.