good converter for 5.3 in 69 cutlass?

[69cutlassrkt]

I have a 5.3l L33. the car im guessing will weight 3700-3800lbs going by 69olds.com. my rear tires are 215/70/14 think thats like 25.85in. and I will be buying a ford 9in later with 3.70 gear. Factory specs for engine is 310hp at 5200rpm and 335lbft at 4000rpm. it should make more though with torque management off and full exhaust. Oh and the trans is a 4l60e.

I want something that is no more than $400. And dont want a really high stall cause I drive it everywhere. So I was wondering what is a good brand and around what stall speed should i shoot for?

[Steve Chryssos]

I get asked this all the time. "Good, but under $400." Your post gives me the opportunity to apply the answer to a specific, real world application for all to read.
Unfortunately, you won't find a good 4l60e converter for under $400--and if you do, it will likely be a tarted up, bone stock junkyard core with a shiny coat of paint and a sticker. A 4L60E requires a lock up converter, so the price cannot be compared with a unit for a TH350 which is commonly used as a benchmark for pricing. Another aspect that affects price: non lock up converters pull from 40 plus years of core availability. They're everywhere. 4l60E LSx cores, on the other hand, are more likely to still be in service--driving around on the road next to you, so the supply chain is somewhat more limited. That drives up the price thanks to good old supply and demand.
But what you really need to keep in mind is that your car's torque converter is a critical component. Coupling the engine and trans is no easy task--especially in a performance application. Buried deep in the center of your car, the last thing you want is for your converter to wear prematurely or fail and take out the transmission.
So with that said, I have two options for you--neither of which fall within that commonly requested price range. Prices and features are listed to help take the mystery out of torque converter purchasing. Here goes:

12" 2400 Stall LS spline:
Description: This is an upgraded stock 12" converter with a stamped front cover and stock style and size lock up clutch. Stock diameter and weight. It'll feel nice and tight at part throttle, not at all sloppy. It will help accelerate your car better than stock and offers improved reliability. 2400 rpm is the limit for stall speed when using this stock 12" core.
Price: $579
Features:
-Torrington Bearings (as opposed to thrust washers)
-Hardened Splines
-Reinforced Welded Fins
-New Lock up Clutch
-Computer Balanced
-Pressure Tested
-Precision Robotic Welding
-Custom Tuned Stall

10" 2500 Stall LS Spline:
Price: $759
Description: Fully custom built torque converter with billet front cover and heavy duty lock up clutch. Reduced diameter and weight. This is the best of both worlds. Tight part throttle efficiency like the stock unit. The small diameter and custom tuned stator helps the engine spin freely and the car will flat out haul ass under full load. I don't know if you are swapping camshafts or making other engine mods, but this custom converter allows us to tune for pretty much any desired stall speed and still maintain part throttle efficiency. For a lighter car, we could go 9.5" which is lighter and less expensive, but not right for this application.
Features:
-High Efficiency Turbine/Impeller Core
-Custom Tuned Stall Speed
-Heavy Duty Sprag - Up to 650HP
-Heavy Duty Lock Up Clutch
-CNC Machined 1-Piece Steel Front Cover
-Anti-Balloon Plate (Burnouts!)
-Torrington Needle Bearings
-Furnace Brazed Fins
-Precision Robotic Welding
-Pressure Tested
-Computer Balancing

I hope that helps.
Thanks
/Steve

[69cutlassrkt]

thanks for the reply. I don't really want to spend that much though. but I might be willing to do around $500. I was thinking the yank truck converter its $475 and the stall is around 2600. Would that be too much stall for a car that is driven almost everyday?

[69cutlassrkt]

yank emailed me and said I should go with their 3200 converter. my car is a street car but I drive it hard. What do ya think?

[Steve Chryssos]

Yank makes a nice piece. Like everyone else, they have a bad case of Drag Racing on the Brain. Do the 2600.

[69cutlassrkt]

thanks i will probably go with that then. Now all I need is a tail housing after I buy the converter. If i had more money I might have gone with your 10" 2500 stall custom converter.