torque converter builders

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diymirage

HP@idle > hondaHP@redline
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so it looks like ill be rebuilding (or having someone rebuild) the 727 this winter
while I have it out I want to go with a new torque converter, since that will be the last part that is stock

the car is a 71 duster, the drivetrain is a 360, build to a 408 with a 727 transmission and a 8 3/4 rear end with 3.23 gears

it is a daily driver


Ive been told to order a custom converter, but I don't know I should have build it
so far I have heard PTC, Dynamic, and edge
anyone have any thoughts on this, any experience, good or bad?

and maybe a guess on what my duster with full bench seat interior would weigh?
 
If you run an automatic, spending money on a quality-built torque converter is a wise move. I never had anything but a stock automatic in my hotrod. As I built the car for more performance, I took this same advice myself. I can honestly tell you, it was some of the best money I ever spent on the car. I enjoy it each and every moment I drive the car.

I bought a high-end unit from Precision torque converters of New Hampton. The tech I used is named Milt. He's great to work with, and nailed the converter set-up for my combo. This took some doing too, because its a cross between a Mopar front half and a GM rear half with a three carbon fiber lock-up disc set-up. It mates a SBM to a GM 200R4 trans using a Reid SFI rated bellhousing. It's amazing!
 
I'd be disinclined to buy a custom TC for a pure daily driver. I can't see the return on the investment. Racing is another story altogether. Are you going to the track with this stroker from time to time?
 
I just ordered a RevMax converter yesterday. A buddy of mine that alsmot daily drives his 440 powered Dart and other the regularly drives a turbo 360 Dart both run them and have been happy with them. I called them and the guy I talked to sounded knowledgeable about TQs, listed to what I wanted and recommended a converter for my application. They custom build all their converters so you have about a 5 day build time before your TQ ships. They also go in 100 RPM increments and make the TQ to hit that stall speed in your car. Now I just ordered mine so I haven't used it yet but I'm feeling good about it. They are $600 btw.
 
I'd be disinclined to buy a custom TC for a pure daily driver. I can't see the return on the investment. Racing is another story altogether. Are you going to the track with this stroker from time to time?

the main reasoning is that now I will have a brand new engine, and a fully rebuild transmission...connected by a 40 plus year old torque converter which is handling at least double the HP it was intended for

that would make that the weak link, so why not replace it while the transmission is out anyway?

and if I'm springing for a new one, I figured the extra coin for a good one shouldn't be too much of an upcharge over an "off the shelf" converter


everything ive read on here told me to stay clear of the "of the shelve" convertors, mostly because there are too many variables that need to be considered in order to make it work perfectly
 
i have delt with dynamic. man what a difference that converter made. have heard good things about PTC and ultimate also.

best bet is to call all three of those places and see what they say. tell them everything you can about the combo and intended use. be 100% honest about all the info you give them. who knows maybe they have an "off the shelf" converter that is perfect for your combo. i think the main thing is to stay away from that cheap junk out there. you are usually getting what you pay for with converters. spen $150 and you are getting junk. just the way it is.

the proper converter will do wonders for a vehicle. do not waste your money on those cheap generic converters. when you put a good converter in you'll understand and wonder why you didn't do it earlier..
 
I'd be disinclined to buy a custom TC for a pure daily driver. I can't see the return on the investment. Racing is another story altogether. Are you going to the track with this stroker from time to time?

define return of the investment???if it improves drive ability and performance how is that not a return. a good converter will slip when needed for performance and lock up nice and tight when needed for daily driving. makes the car much more enjoyable in the end.


i just can't understand guys that spend thousands on an engine then half *** it when it comes to the converter. you are talking a fraction of what the engine cost for a good converter..
 
Give Lenny at Ultimate a call tell him your usage he'll build you exactly what you want/need..
 
thanks guys, ill put together a list, and start calling soon

does anyone know what my first gear ratio in the 75 727 (out of an RV) would be?

and a good guess on the weight of my full interior 71 duster?
 
the main reasoning is that now I will have a brand new engine, and a fully rebuild transmission...connected by a 40 plus year old torque converter which is handling at least double the HP it was intended for

that would make that the weak link, so why not replace it while the transmission is out anyway?

and if I'm springing for a new one, I figured the extra coin for a good one shouldn't be too much of an upcharge over an "off the shelf" converter


everything ive read on here told me to stay clear of the "of the shelve" convertors, mostly because there are too many variables that need to be considered in order to make it work perfectly

You are thinking correctly. I run a 10" Turbo Action and love it. Normal driving you are in granny's car, hit the peddle and the car is an animal. Any of the good companies will work.
 
thanks guys, ill put together a list, and start calling soon

does anyone know what my first gear ratio in the 75 727 (out of an RV) would be?

and a good guess on the weight of my full interior 71 duster?

Probably 3300 or so.

Just remember, be brutally honest with yourself and the builder as to what the intended usage is. Street,strip, both?

You will need car weight, ALL of the engine specs, cam info etc, you NEED to know and settle on what rear gears you intend to run.

The more honest and accurate you can be with the TC builder the better the performance will be.
 
Hows the car run now ?

as in , how does it run?
or as in, how do I run it?

I think it runs pretty good and the cam comes on pretty early
(ill see if I can find the dyno sheet to see where it comes on)


it has not seen any stip use yet, but I am sure I will take her to a few test and tunes to see what shes got
its a daily driver, and I haul my kids around in it

she does enjoy traffic light pulls though :burnout:



I do think I like the 3.23 gears that are in there right now
 
You will get a ton of responses on this question.Reputable companies to me would include Ultimate,ATI,and Turbo Action.I have used two of the three with good results.

Pat Storey at SMR Trans did my last two converters and will do my next one if I ever need one.Stall was dead on both times and both converters are still in use to this day.

www.smrtrans.com
 
so, this may be a dumb question, but at what RPM do I want it to stall?
I mean, what happens there ?
peak torque?
 
Is your converter bad? stock is ok.. new engine will bring it up 200 rpm or more over stock.
 
so, this may be a dumb question, but at what RPM do I want it to stall?
I mean, what happens there ?
peak torque?

Thats for your converter company of choice to determine based on the info you give them. They will want to know your weight, final drive gear, tire size, power output, intended use, and probably the most important number your cam's duration at .050. Have all of this info in any email or phone call you have with a converter builder.
 
so, this may be a dumb question, but at what RPM do I want it to stall?
I mean, what happens there ?
peak torque?

It depends on cam specs and how you intend to use it etc etc.

Basically it puts you in the power band at launch, if that makes sense.
 
thanks guys, ill put together a list, and start calling soon

does anyone know what my first gear ratio in the 75 727 (out of an RV) would be?

and a good guess on the weight of my full interior 71 duster?

727 1st gear is 2.45....
 
727 1st gear is 2.45....

thanks, I'm sure the builder will need this spec

It depends on cam specs and how you intend to use it etc etc.

Basically it puts you in the power band at launch, if that makes sense.

I figured that (kinda like dropping the clutch)

the dyno sheet I have starts at 2892 RPM, at which point there is already 441.8 lb-ft of torque, but only 243.3 HP
 
I had Dynamic build a 9 1/2 converter for my 408 and it was just way too loose. Thing flashed to 4200 rpm. It was real smooth around town but seemed too loose on the highway. I converted both my cars to Martin Saine custom converters. Very very impressed ...just feels like I'm always in the sweet spot. By the way his converters look like artwork and they are way more stout then the Dynamic. Sorry no pics.
 
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