Weird Groove on Converter snout/bad leak

Misalignment sure can trash things.

I've had good luck with Hughes converters but have noticed they usually stall lower than advertised. I put one of their 2800 stall units in a buddy's 440 powered Challenger and it only stalls about 2500. Hate to imagine how low it'd stall if it were a low compression 360. That's my only gripe with them. I've also had good luck with PTC and their not real expensive. I ordered a 3000 stall for my Cuda and it stalls right on the mark. Drives real nice on the street too. Unless I'm pulling a big hill at low speeds it doesn't slip much at all like some converters do. Those are the only 2 low dollar converters I'd use.