Which torque converter?

[GreenMystChevy]

Well after destroying two torque converters in my Chevelle I figured I better go buy myself one that doesn't crap out on me every year. I have never quite understood the importance of a good converter until I have destroyed a couple of em.

-My question is which torque converter should I get for my car? Brand, stall, etc.-

It is a stock rebuilt 1970 402/350hp backed by a TH-400. I drive the car a little harder than I should sometimes but I try and keep everything in good working order and plan on keeping it till I'm old so I am looking for a converter that will last quite a while.

I know that I am going to have to break down and buy a fairly expensive one because you get what you pay for. I also plan on getting a new flexplate and installing a shift kit while I'm at it.
Are these engines internally or externally balanced?

What are your opinions on the flexplate and shift kit, what are some good ones to get?

Thanks guys

[67Fleetsidedream]

Get a B&M or a TCI torque converter. The stall will depend on how many RPMs to want the engine to rev up to before the tranny shifts. Go to Summit racing and do some shopping around. Here is the link http://store.summitracing.com/

[GreenMystChevy]

Come on guys. I know it's not a truck but it's a classic.

I know what some good companies are but can you recommend a certain stall speed and should I get a 10" or 11".

Thanks for any input.

[tom hand]

Stall is determined by cam/rear gear ratio. If you run a stall converter with highway gear it will "stall" all the time and burn up in stort order.

[GreenMystChevy]

I think I only have 3.11's in there and a pretty stock cam.

[Longhorn Man]

I would guess at about 1900 to 2000 RPM stall.
But in reality, you need to call what ever company you plan on buying from. They are the only ones who can give you a 100% correct number.
You will need some info when you call;
Vehicle weight
engine output (if avalible...just give him the stock h/p rateing since it is a fairly stock rebuilt)
rear gears
rear tire size
typical cruise RPM. This does not necisarily mean freeway RPM, but where you spend most of your time driving it.
Tranny type


There m,ay be more info, and some one please add to my list.


Your engine is internally ballanced. Only the 400 small block, and the 454 are externial. (as far as engines that we deal with...unsure about the new stuff)

[crazy longhorn]

Your 402 is internally balanced, the same flexplate that fits a 265-350 will do the trick(400sb is external balance, as is the 454 BB). B&M, & TCI both put out a nice flexplate(thicker than stock). on the converter, you are probably looking for a Sat nite special, that should get you to stall around 2000-2200. If you had a little more cam & lower gears, the TCI breakaway is a decent converter.....my 383 flashed it to 2800-2900 tho. as mentioned by Andy (longhornmail), you dont want the stall on the converter higher than the normal cruise speed....the heat will "eat" the trans in a hurry! Good luck,crazyL

[bigjimzlll]

call here and ask Mickey...these are real nice and cheap
http://www.torcoconverters.com/cgi-bin/get_catalog.cgi