Finetuning questions - do I need a high-stall torque converter ?

Remember a torque convertor functions based on the power put to it. In other words, put my 3500 convertor behind a stock slant 6 and it no longer stalls at 3500.

So mash it to the floor and it flashes high. Drive normal, it acts normal.

My car cruises at 2500@60mph. Yet it has a 3500 stall. GVOD does a great job explain why cruise RPM under the stall speed is ok. Reason being, your engine doesn't make as much power at those lower RPMs making the convertor think it has a smaller engine in front of it.

In regards to gas mileage. YOu need a lockup convertor or one that stalls below your cruise RPM. Even with a 2200 convertor, if you plan to cruise 2500+RPM you aren't looking for optimal gas MPG.