stock converter/race converter

[ir3333]

an 11- 12 inch torque converter would usually be for a stock application where an 8 - 10 inch converter would fall in to a race style category.
...why a smaller diameter for a race converter?

 

[bamamopar]

Less mass to turn? I run a 8.5 in me street/strip car

 

[UOP]

Smaller converters are more efficient at higher stall rates. An 8" converter stalled at 5000 can be more crisp and slip less than an 11" converter stalled at only 3000. The 9.5" I have in my car is great, but if I get to the point where I need a stall over 4000 I'll be looking at an 8".