Poll on which Torque Converter for my 360 Crate

[Johnny Cuda]

O.K. I'm lookin for some opinions here, and yes I know what they say about opinions, but seriously I am at a mental standstill right now. First of all I recently bought a 360/380 HP Crate Motor. I had planned on buying a torque converter in the range of 2500 to 3500 rpm, that is until I looked at the engine instructions and warranty paperwork that came with my motor. MP recommends the 145K converter since it is balanced already for the externally balanced 360. The 145K works out to be about a 1900 to 2100 stall from what I have read. Now I am obviously looking for an awsome launch to go along with the 380HP. But I am weary about getting anything which is not balanced for the 360 crate. I know they sell balance kits but I wouldnt have a clue as to how to install it correctly.

So my question is what should I go with?

The recommended 145K stall (1900 to 2100) or something higher?  Has anyone actually installed a 360/380HP crate with the 145K and if so are you satisfied with your Launch?

Oh one other important factoid, I have been accused of being a bit anal retentive and suffer from a mild case of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). That's my wife opinion anyway, so you can see why I an in a quandry over this :laughing:

[Chryco Psycho]

well the 145 K would be close , the cam should start making power around 2200 so I would use a 2400 stall minimum , the roller may make power a bit earlier whih would put it in the range of the 145 K
personally I would use a higher stall

[Carlwalski]

What is the stock stall speed behind a TorqueFlite-727? 2,200rpm?  :dontknow:

[Chryco Psycho]

depends on the application but between 1600 & 2400 high performance & motorhomes use over 20o0 stall , low stalls can be as low as 1200 

[Carlwalski]

  Keuwl, Thanks you walking encyclopedia of car knowledge.  :laughing: :thumbs: :wasted:

[1973challenger360]

 I have been accused of being a bit anal retentive and suffer from a mild case of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)

I have CRS    cant remember Sh!t

[Johnny Cuda]

Thanks for the advice, one question though, I've read where a heck of a lot of people are running 3500 and over stall speeds but when you read what they've got in the motor as far as the cam it doesn't seem like they really need all that converter. Is that just a case of people over doing it or is there something else that fits into the equation??

[Chryco Psycho]

A higher stall will allow the engine to get higher into the powerband before load is applied so it will Hit harder off the line , but on the highway it may run below stall & overheat the tranny 

[firefighter3931]

Turbo Action makes a nice converter. We put the "street hemi" 11in in my buddy's Cuda Vert last summer behind his e-headed 408 smallblock. He's pleased with the performance but hasn't really nailed it too hard due to chassis flex and wants to get subframe connecters welded in before beatng on it too hard. It "should" stall at 2800-3000 behind this engine which is probably in the 425hp range.

Ron

[MEK-Dangerfield]

One variable that you didn't mention Headway989, was what gears do you have in the rear end? This could have alot to so with it.

  Mike

[Johnny Cuda]

Thanks for the great input everyone, Here is what I decided to do.

I called Mancini Racing and they sell a B&M weighted flexplate for the 360 Magnum, which balances it Part Number BMM10242. That left me open to pick and choose a non-balanced torque converter. I went with the Mancini 2500-3000 stall. I feel pretty good about this combo. I will wind up getting a trans cooler as well.

Oh yeh, I am currrently running with 3:55 gears but will upgrade to 3:91. I'm hoping to get a decent launch out of this combo.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

OK,
  I feel better now.  If you had anything less than 3:55's, I would have advised against it. Good luck with it.  :thumbs:

  Mike

[Karfever]

I have the same combo in my Challenger, 260/380, 727 and 3:91 gear. I have a 200-2200 stall converter in it right now so I am VERY interested in the results you get! Please continual posting results! :worship:

[Johnny Cuda]

Karfever,

Will keep you posted, it may be a while though :ack: since my cars off gettin painted, should be complete in about 4 weeks, then I gotta put everything back together.