stall converter question
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Kansas City, MO
stall converter question
I ordered a crate engine from Phoenix Engines (Ford 302 - 331HP Crate Engine) and it says that I need an 1800-2200 stall converter. When I talked to a guy about rebuilding my C4 tranny, he said not to buy a cheap stall converter. He recommended a TCI. So I go to JEGS and find them on there, but the stall speeds don't match like I was hoping they would. The "Saturday Night Special" is 1600-1800. And the "Breakaway" is 2200-2400. Which should I buy? I don't really understand what the converter's do, so I don't know which way to go. Or would you guys recommend something other than TCI? Thanks.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
That's confusing all right. 1800 - 2200 is not a very wild converter. The crate motor seems to be a pretty typical high-RPM motor, so I'd expect them to recommend something like a higher stall converter. Your gas mileage would suck with that, tho. It appears they are saying the motor idles so poorly with the cam they're using that you need an elevated idle and a slippery converter to get moving.
The other factor is your rear axle ratio. Are you figuring to cruise or race? A 4.11 axle with an 1800 stall converter would probably work but a 3.23 axle would need a higher stall.
There are other quality converter manufacturers, Art Carr for example. Check around!
The other factor is your rear axle ratio. Are you figuring to cruise or race? A 4.11 axle with an 1800 stall converter would probably work but a 3.23 axle would need a higher stall.
There are other quality converter manufacturers, Art Carr for example. Check around!
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From: Kansas City, MO
I plan to cruise more than race. I'm sure that I'll race every once in a while just to make myself feel good. I don't know what gear ratio i'll be using. I plan on putting in an explorer rearend. So I'm sure I'll stick with what ever it has in there when I get one (3.25, 3.55, 3.73 or 4.11 gears). I check craigslist every day for one, but haven't had any luck yet. Should I wait until I get the rear end and know the gear ration before buying the converter? I'm hoping to have the rear end done along with the tranny ready when my engine shows up in 5 weeks.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I ran the TCI Saturday Night Special converter with a 350 horse engine and a 3:00 rear gear. The combination worked quite well. The vehicle was probably about 800-1000 pounds lighter than your truck though. 
Fleet Owner
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From: NM
That's consistent with what I'm thinking, Vern, the engine here is not a torque monster, pretty heavy vehicle, so with any kind of tall ratio in the rear (to get decent mileage with no OD trans), you'll need a slippery t.c. Better to err on the loose side or it'll be a dog off the line.
Fleet Owner
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From: NM
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From: Kansas City, MO
ok. i guess i misunderstood then. i'll ask again when i find a rearend and know the gear ratio for it. thanks!!!
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From: Kansas City, MO
I got a rear end. I had my dad swing by and pick it up because I've been concentrating on a geology test that I had to take tonight. It's over so I can get back to concentrating on the more important things.....trucks!!!
He read the numbers on the rearend to me. He said on the top it says S6298 and on the bottom it says 3L73-8-81M19. I'm guessing that means it has 3.73 gears and is an 8.8 rearend. I don't know what the L and the 1M19 are for though (if i'm right on the rest).
So if it is 3.73 gears, which torque converter do I get?
He read the numbers on the rearend to me. He said on the top it says S6298 and on the bottom it says 3L73-8-81M19. I'm guessing that means it has 3.73 gears and is an 8.8 rearend. I don't know what the L and the 1M19 are for though (if i'm right on the rest).
So if it is 3.73 gears, which torque converter do I get?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
A quick websearch turned this up; foureyedpride.com - Axle Tag Decoder
Looks like it is a 3.73, 8.8 with traction lock, from a '91
Personal opinion (worth nothing!) you should be fine with anything around 1800 with that low of a rear end and anything "normal" in the way of tires.
Looks like it is a 3.73, 8.8 with traction lock, from a '91
Personal opinion (worth nothing!) you should be fine with anything around 1800 with that low of a rear end and anything "normal" in the way of tires.
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From: Kansas City, MO
Thanks ALBUQ!!! I don't know how you come across stuff like that. I looked and looked and couldn't find a site that would give me a straight answer. Maybe some day I'll learn all the secret spots. I'm more than happy to get the 1800 one. It'll save me a little money I can spend elsewhere.
Again, thanks for the help.
Again, thanks for the help.