Choosing a torque converter..

Topic: Choosing a torque converter.. (Read 3233 times) previous topic - next topic

Choosing a torque converter..

September 27, 2005, 03:09:36 PM

I'm rebuilding my 83 302 and tweaking a few things while I'm at it. Really the most extensive change I've made is the new cam that I got from a local engine rebuilder. I asked for something comparable to the HO Mustang cam (I know that was roller but anyway) and he gave me a Clevite cam. The specs didn't include an operating range but I compared it to cams on Summit until I found one similar and the range is 2000-6500 rpm. Being that I don't know the original cam range I can't predict how this will affect my power band and that makes it difficult to choose a performance torque converter. Anybody have more experience with this sort of thing?

Re: Choosing a torque converter..

Reply #1 – September 27, 2005, 06:09:29 PM

Just what are the specs??? A stock HO is more like idle-5300. You may have gone overboard with the cam, with a 2000-6500 range you'll need at least a 2400.

Re: Choosing a torque converter..

Reply #2 – September 27, 2005, 06:24:03 PM

Admittedly I don't know enough about cams to work out the operating range from specs. That's why I had to take the guy at his word about the cam selection. Is there a formula for getting the range? In any case the specs on this particular cam are:
.450/.474 Lift
280', 289' Advertised Duration
204', 214' @ 0.50

You can also look at http://engineparts.com/05_eng_spec_bk/05_eng_spec_bk.pdf , the cam # is 229-1734

Re: Choosing a torque converter..

Reply #3 – September 27, 2005, 06:52:37 PM

K now I'm confused. I ran an internet search for mentions of that part # and got this:
http://www.fastengineparts.com/products_view.php?id=1544&PHPSESSID=6a06064915a40199bf3649a25df2f452

The specs don't match each other. Damm....when I get home I'm picking up the shaft and reading the specs on the box if they're there. But if those second specs are right then the operating range is 1500-4000, and that's not really what I want either. That's probably what the existing shaft gives me. I want to maintain torque but expand my mid-range power. AGGH!

Re: Choosing a torque converter..

Reply #4 – September 27, 2005, 07:38:49 PM

The specs on the box match the ones on Clevite's site. Weird. So what's with the second set of specs for the same #? Whatever...

Re: Choosing a torque converter..

Reply #5 – September 28, 2005, 12:11:46 PM

Thats actually a good cam for a warmed up street engine.... It's roughly the equlivant to a HO.... In a 302 with good valve springs/lifters it should pull hard to 5500-5800. I'd still go with the 2400(lockup) converter, it'll make you smile.

Re: Choosing a torque converter..

Reply #6 – September 28, 2005, 12:31:56 PM

Sounds good to me. I just wanted to be good and sure I match up a compatible cam and converter. Don't want to spend all this money and time and end up with a car that handles like the Titanic.