Transmission/torque convertor/flywheel questions

[big_truxx]

When doing engine or tranny swaps, what determines what torque convertor you will need? Is it the engine? Will a 350 SBC need a different convertor than the 454? And the flexplate/flywheel is also engine specific right?

 

[mechted]

flexplate flywheel is engine type specific, internal or external balance
Internal balance = most SBCs, 396, 427
External balance = 400(sb), 454

 

[big_truxx]

That's what I thought there. What about the convertors? Are they all the same or what?

 

[Hossbaby50]

You should get a torque converter that matches what your needs are. My needs are a low stall converter for rockcrawling so I have a 1000RPM stall converter. As far as the converter being the same they should be. I helped do a SBC to BBC swap once and we didn't change the converter between engines.

Harley

 

[big_truxx]

Cool beans! Thanks bro!


Another ? Is the 6.2 convertor the same as a gasser would be?

 

[big83chevy4x4]

the 6.2 converter externally is the same, but the stall speed is lower than a gas converter.

 

[dyeager535]

It gets fairly complicated, but essentially, a "rated" stall speed converter will actually stall at a different RPM based on engine output, such as between a 350 and 454.

 

[big_truxx]

the 6.2 converter externally is the same, but the stall speed is lower than a gas converter.

So really I need to get the correct convertor for the engine I am running. I am just trying to figure out what is reusable in engine swaps. I have a 350/400 combo in one truck and it will be getting a 454 swapped in at some point. I was thinking it may be possible to reuse the convertor but I want to do it correctly and not have to make the mistake and have to take the convertor out and replace it. Making more work than is necessary.

 

[big83chevy4x4]

you need to get he converter for both the engine and tranny.
match the converter up to the tranny and the stall speed to the engine.
luckly the th400 and th350 converters are the same externally

 

[dirtwarrior17]

stock 350 speed is around 1800 i think

 

[dyeager535]

Stock for what? GM used a different stall speed based on application...I know just for the '83+ G-bodies (monte carlo, regal, cutlass, etc) GM used no less than 3 converters for the 2004R.

Truck converters were probably different based on engine, 2wd, GVW, etc.

 

[big_truxx]

So I will most definately get a new convertor when I put the 454 under the hood of my 82.

 

[dirtwarrior17]

on my 88 4x4