Torque Converter Selection - AGAIN

[crazy4offroad]

Main reason I'm asking again is we had this big-ass storm here, had to buy a generator, cost of fuel for it, lost some groceries, other expenses and I've been revamping my selection for a torque converter. I was looking at just plain stock replacement for now, just to get this together and going...

$80 = CHEAP!
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/pa...wgzZ6o2ll?itemIdentifier=263610_195782_0_5115

I know, I know. I'll hate it. But it's so cheap!!!!

Next, a few dollars more for 2,000-2,200 stall, made in the U.S.A. but I think shipping will kill this one...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Speedwa...-Converter-2000-2200-/130713673970#vi-content
Thoughts/comments on quality?

Next is ACC (aka Alabama Converters) 1,600-2,200 stall, also made in U.S.A. Free shipping from this place...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACC-1600-22...er-Turbo-TH350-Chevy-/330553815793#vi-content
Any positive/negative feedback on this brand?

Lastly, and on the "high-end" of what I'd like to pay, Rebel 2,200-2,600 stall, again, made in U.S.A. Also ships FREE...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2200-2600-S...Turbo-TH350-TH400-12-/110736577903#vi-content
Horror stories and words of encouragement welcome.

I know not to expect much from any of these, but I'm wanting to stay below the $200+ I was looking to spend before due to the setback of the storm. I'm wondering if I should have a stock (or near-stock) stall converter for riding around and playing on the hill, and a higher stall converter to swap in for racing? I know it's a lot of work just to race but I dont mind. With the deeper axle gears I'm running I dont think a stock converter will suffer, well, too bad anyway. Tell me what ya think!!

 

[bucket]

I have no input, but I too would really like to see some responses.

 

[crazy4offroad]

If the thread goes dead for too long, the $80 stocker will get got just to keep forward momentum going. I was hoping to hear any experiences anyone had with the other brands.

 

[hirschdalechevy]

IMO , (dealing with street & drag car's & truck's) I myself would not go cheap on a T.C. , it's the main item set up to make the tq. and hp. range of your motor come alive!!!! The style and stall of your T.C. is very important , (stall , loose or tight in any stall speed). The wrong T.C. selection can make a hot motor a dog. I would run a stock T.C. until I could save up for a good one , ( not b&m or tci ) . I always run T.C.'s that are made for my combo and what I want to do , (turbo action or continetal ), had very good luck with them ) . I have a continetal in my superbee that is a tight 3,800 stall and you would never know it when driving mellow on the street , but when you flash it you better hang on , ( you can cut it sideway's at 60mph ) & ( out the whole it's almost like dumping a clutch) , but when driving mellow it's pretty tight for friendly street driving. Call a good T.C. builder and have one made for your set up and you will be very happy. Just my 2 cent's.

 

[crazy4offroad]

Cool. 3,800 isnt something I would want to run on the hill. I'm sure it would be great for the track but I'm thinking closer to 2,400 even for that. I'm running street class so no need to get too crazy with it. And like I said with 5.13s a stocker should (maybe) hold up better than if I had higher gears like 3.73s.

 

[GOBR]

Ive got an ACC/Boss Hogg 2200-2400 I beleive. It ran good. Didnt run it for long tho. A local speed shop sells em here. He says they are good in upwards of 450-500hp but anywhere above they dont hold up. For the price they are good tho. It all comes down to "you get what you pay for". Id get a stock one till I could save up and get a good one for what I wanted to do.

 

[crazy4offroad]

You know how these parts stores can be real dicks about core swaps, well, I dont have a regular TC to swap. All I have is a lock-up converter. I wonder if they would notice the difference??

 

[GOBR]

I dont think it matters as long as they have the core lol. Probably wouldnt anyway

 

[HotRodPC]

Hope they don't notice the core. The NON Lock Up cores are getting rare and the TC shops get all googly eyed when they see a stash of non lock ups. I had a Transstar Industries sales rep at my shop when I had it. He about creamed hisself when I seen the converters I had and I only had about 12 but 9 were NON Lock Ups. The speed shops don't pay attention though so you'll probably be fine.
They do make a high stall OEM that usually sells for about $10 more and it adds 600rpm to stock stall.
There is a guy in Northern Cali that makes Converters for by design to hold up to Funny Car horsepower. And he does the little ones too. Edge Converters. From what I'm told, tell him what you have in the truck, the weight, tire size all that, then what you want out of the converter, and he'll nail it within 100rpm.