So, Im having an AOD built that should be ready in a few weeks. The builder is a well respected guy that builds them on the side. Been considering converter choices.
narrowed it down to:
Dirty Dog 9.5" billet (3200 stall) $550
Edge Racing 9.5" non billet (same stall) for about the same price
Circle D reworked oem unit for $350
Now, 90% of you will probably say Dirty Dog hands down. The Edge (and most other 9.5" non-billet cover are basically reworked fwd GM converters(from what Ive gathered). I understand the desirable reasons for the smaller diameter body. Im leaning towards the Circle D because this is a mild car, they are about ten minutes away from me, and they are about the only company I cant find one single, solitary complaint about.
Has anyone actually used a re-stalled oem unit from a quality shop, been unsatisfied(why)?, and switched to a smaller billet type unit and been amazed at the improvement?
What is your combo?
I will be going billet because I understand that the steel converter covers will balloon with higher HP forced induction engines at higher RPM's. I don't want to lose a tranny and risk engine damage over skimping on this component. (Until I get a good converter I'm rev limiting at 5300)
That said, a milder combo would not necessarily need billet. I don't know Circle D, but if you talked to him, he is working with you, and you trust him, go for what he recommends.
I am new to click-click transmissions, so I have no personal experience to relate. This is just what I have learned and believe to be true from researching stuff for my junk.
What is your combo?
I will be going billet because I understand that the steel converter covers will balloon with higher HP forced induction engines at higher RPM's. I don't want to lose a tranny and risk engine damage over skimping on this component. (Until I get a good converter I'm rev limiting at 5300)
That said, a milder combo would not necessarily need billet. I don't know Circle D, but if you talked to him, he is working with you, and you trust him, go for what he recommends.
I am new to click-click transmissions, so I have no personal experience to relate. This is just what I have learned and believe to be true from researching stuff for my junk.
MILD.
Mass air swap, 65mm tb, explorer intake,iron gt40's, roller rockers, low mileage basic rebuild 306, comp xe266hr,bbk1515, bassani x pipe, ultra flo cat back, 3.55's.
Plan is to get the trans in w a converter, probably rebuild the trac-loc, and just enjoy it as a Friday cruiser for awhile. As soon as that gets boring, Ill start saving towards a 408, and when that is close to being a reality, probably spray the hell out of this one just to see what kind of # I can get out of it.
I have a similar set up to you and I'm running a Precision Industries billet 9.5" non lock-up converter (2800 stall). I've been happy with it. Both Dirt Dog and Precision Industries make a quality billet converter. You'd be happy with either one.
^ x2
Tci 3000+ stall lockup here. It might flash closer to that behind a 408cid maybe.
Ask any of those converter shops if they will do a restall for free. I think you may want it to stall like 700rpm below peak torque, but someone with more experience may chime in. They all appear to make good converters. Good luck with your choice!