Is a higher stall torque converter worth it

[tlcooper]

Hey wassup guys, I am currently rebuilding my 4.3L cpi engine in my 1992 gmc jimmy for more power for the street. My engine is:

1.) .60 over with forged flat top pistons and stock rods (bigger radiator and 180 tstat of course), engine has been fully balanced.

2.) zero decked and the head have been slightly ported and milled which results in a compression boost, stock valve sizes.

3.) either the stock cpi cam which is almost the same as the comp 252 or 260 form what I've heard, or a swap to the comp 266 or 270 havent decided yet. new lifters, timing set, etc... the whole nine

4.) I've upgraded my 7.5 rear from the stock 3.08 gears and open diff to a zexel and 3.42 gears.

* My question is in my buildup would it be worth while to swap out the stock 2000 stall convertor to maybe a 2400, 2500, or 3000 stall one for use mostly on the street and occasional strip visits. and if so, do you all suggest a lockup converter??????

* I trust this site's advice so all other suggested mods are welcomed. What else do ya'll suggest???????

[Hammer Head]

When did they have 2000rpm stall stock? I'd be thinking 1600 stall is stock & a 2000-2200 stall would be great.

[Sparky2263]

My question is in my buildup would it be worth while to swap out the stock 2000 stall convertor to maybe a 2400, 2500, or 3000 stall one for use mostly on the street and occasional strip visits. and if so, do you all suggest a lockup converter??????

Ya' damn skippy it's worth it. For that set you in your seat, leave 'em at the light with their eyes popped out, swallow your false teeth launch, get a 3000 stall converter.

BUT, get a Vigilante with lock-up. Yeah, they're expensive, but anything worth it always is. With the lock-up my mileage didn't suffer.

Keep in mind, if you buy a 2000 stall, it won't be any different from what you have. Stall speeds are average rated and depend on torque applied for actual stall rpm's.

A 2000 stall converter behind our V6's will only stall 1600-1800. Basically stock for us.

[Mikz86TA]

I agree with Sparky. If youre gonna do it, dont wenie out on one just higher than you already have....and get a decent one thats going to be closse to what its rated.

[tlcooper]

Thanks Sparky, how are the street manners of the 3000 stall converter. what about on wet pavement? Also is it true that due to the higher stall it will be harder to move from a complete stop so therefore you have to floor it harder than say the 2000 stall converter?

[nomaboy]

it will drive a little looser but it won't make the engine work harder to take off. that 3000k stall means that under full load(you are standing on the brakes) and you floor it it will allow the engine to rev to 3000 rpm. if not under full load, like normal driving the truck will start to move well under 3000RPM. street manners wouldn't be that different with that amount of stall....i wouldn't think anyways.

[tlcooper]

Hey guys, thanks for all the advice from everyone. I really appreciate it. As advised by sparky, I'm as we speak searching online to buy either a 2800 or 3000 stall converter. My question is if an anti-ballooning plate is really imperative. B/C I know that many of my dad's friends at the track use 700r4 trannys just as we do which all have a corvette torque converter and run nos no problem. Am I correct in saying that the stock corvette torque converter we all share DOES NOT have a anti-ballooning plate for nos? If so why spend an extra $150 or so for a converter with the plate for mild 50 to 100 shots of NOS?

[Mikz86TA]

IMO youre not in any danger by not having it.

[nomaboy]

i think the anti balloon plate is a must when you are running a large shot, but not sure as i have never looked into one. mike is right. a 4.3 ,even with a 150 shot isn't going to make enough power to blow the converter(typically).

[tlcooper]

thanks guy, I know what I need to buy now.