Torque Covertor Questions

[brown7373]

I have a 72 C10 longbed. My original 350 went south, so I bought a 350/290 crate engine. It was considerably less expensive than rebuilding the original 350.

It is kind of a pig and rather sluggish. Even my shifts are lousy and sluggish.
The paperwork with the engine says it has a higher rpm powerband and may require a higher stall speed convertor, contact your convertor company, but no guidance.

So far, every company contacted is trying to recommend more of a racing convertor. I don't care about 1/4 mile times. I am planning no drag racing or street racing. I just want better drivability and fuel mileage and a smoother shifting truck.

Any suggestions, or companies to contact?

[geezer#99]

Wrong motor if you want drivability and mileage. No compression, too much cam, crap heads.
Likely needs a 2500 stall.
What was recommended?
What trans and rear gear?

[ForcedInduction355]

Find out what cam is in it. That is the first step to see what kind of combination it was built for.

[old51sedan]

Originally Posted by brown7373

I have a 72 C10 longbed. My original 350 went south, so I bought a 350/290 crate engine. It was considerably less expensive than rebuilding the original 350.

It is kind of a pig and rather sluggish. Even my shifts are lousy and sluggish.
The paperwork with the engine says it has a higher rpm powerband and may require a higher stall speed convertor, contact your convertor company, but no guidance.

So far, every company contacted is trying to recommend more of a racing convertor. I don't care about 1/4 mile times. I am planning no drag racing or street racing. I just want better drivability and fuel mileage and a smoother shifting truck.

Any suggestions, or companies to contact?

My neighbor is retired and has built transmissions all his life, he did my 200-4R which I have just installed behind my 292. I asked him to order me a torque converter and he said I will order you one with a stall in it. I told him at 77 years old I'm not going to race it, he said trust me you will like it. It is in the truck and truck is running, but have not drove it yet due to now installing disk brakes and then front clip. I was Leary but have a lot of faith in him.

[cj847]

I tend to doubt that your problems are solely due to a torque converter.

Will it idle OK with light pressure on the brake? If so, it should be fine. What is the recommended idle speed? Do you have enough vacuum that your brake booster still functions ok?

290 hp should not feel sluggish. Is it just sluggish below 2000 rpm? I would take it out on the freeway and open it up. If it performs poorly at 3000 rpm it is not the TC.