I am running a SBC 350 engine with a TH400 transmission pushing a Ford 9 inch rear end and I am looking for a new torque converter. When shifted into reverse or drive from park, there is a sizable impact/jolt, from a complete stop, the transmission hesitates quite a bit at the start and then there is a jolt upon moving, and while driving if the accelerator is floored, again there is a sizable hesitation and then jolt. A friend has suggested Hughes 2500 stall series. This would probably be the GM25-400bp model. I have also looked at the TCI Saturday Nite Special, the B&M Tork Master 2400 and the Summitlace and JEGS knock-offs. Is one brand better than another? Other than price what are the differences?
I would use a company that builds transmissions and convertors only, the may be a bit more in price than those "we do it all, and some of it even works" companies. (I prefer Coan) they all have entry level convertors, but the private companies build theirs in house and can and will be able to provide real world tech support froma person that only does transmissions.
I don't believe it's the converter causing the jolt. Probably the forward clutch in the trans. That's not to say you don't need a different converter .What camshaft duration and stall speed do you have now? I can build you whatever you need.
Only a though-- The lash in your rear might be to great- How heavy is the car? There is a company In so cal that just does converters! and knowing all the facts you might need a stall of 3-3500 plus.
Yup, fix the transmission or whatever other driveline/engine problems there are first. Then let us know a LOT more about the engine, cam specs, vehicle type/weight etc, rear gearing, tire size, how and where you drive, if you plan on racing it and how compe***ive you want to be, etc. and we can help you figure out what converter you need (or at least you'll have the info at hand to tell the converter company so they can make a recommendation).
Thanks everyone...I need to gather all the suggested info and get back to this thread later. Again HAMBers come through
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