Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

I need to pick up a torque converter for the 383 stroker I'm going to drop in my 72 K20.

I've searched the web, talked to mechanic buddies, and called a few manufatures... and I've gotten so many differing opinions on the correct stall that I'm more confused then when I started—I'm hearing anything from 1800 to 2500.

So I thought, why not post the question here and see if I can confuse myself even more. :hh:

Here are the specs:
1972 K20 3/4 Ton
Stock suspension, with 33's
383 Stroker
Cam: .050: Roller (.495/.502 Lift & 218/224 Duration, 110 Lobe)
Gears: It's got a stock rear end, and I think they ran 4:10 or 4:11
Don't plan on racing, just hot rodding around town.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

What is the manufacturer of the cam?

Comp Cams says:

HYDRAULIC ROLLER − High performance
application, largest with stock converter,
noticeable idle.

Hyd. Hyd. 1600 to 5400 12-422-810,46 XR270HR 270 276 218 224 .495 .502 110°

I suggest running whatever the manufacture of the cam suggest for that style of cam. The above is based of a SBC 262-400 CI from 1955-1998.

Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

call PTC converters

Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

Stock the '72 K20 with a 350/TH350 would have had 4.10s. Talk to the cam manufacturer about your specific combination. A sales catalog blurb is not really very informative. Shop several converter companies and go with a consensus. Welcome to the world of a development engineer.

Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

I agree with calling the manufacture and seeing what there recommendation is. But with that cam, I would recommend going with 1800-2100.

I am going to be swapping to a LT4 hot cam with 218/228 duration 525/525 lift 112lsa. I plan on doing a 1800-2100 stall on mine. I may be shorting it on getting the full potential out of the cam, but the higher stall you run the higher the temp of your trans will run. So, I would recommend a lower stall since you plan on street driving and a little hot rodding added into it. That's the reason I am going to be running 1800-2100, for street purposes and not burning up a brand new $1300 transmission.

Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

i'm running a 2800 boss hogg small converter, you can get a regular size, it's been in mine for over 2 years now no probelms

Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

http://www.transdepot.net

These guys are pretty damn good... I was basing my converter choice off what I have researched. But ultimately, I am going to go with whatever they recommend when I order my transmission from them. They got great customer service and know there stuff. Give them a call and see what they say.

Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

Thanks for all the feedback! This has been my first engine swap—so it's been a trial and error, learn as I go, process.

When I started this I didn't realize how critical the torque converter was to how the truck will perform. Now I'm stressing about picking the right one, and it's so damn confusing.

For example, I gave B&M a call today and talked to two different reps, and got two different answers on what I should run. 2000 stall from the first guy, and 2400 from the second.

I've had advice from a few people that I shouldn't run too high a stall because it will run hot and potentially burn up my transmission (as GMCJOE said). But the guy at B&M said if I put something too low in there, that I'll be fighting the brakes, like when I'm stopped at a red light for instance.

I guess my best bet will be to go the consensus route (as SS Tim suggested).

Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

I didn't see the tranny you are running. I'm guessing it's a 350. The tranny type will play into the stall you select. For instance, I'm running a 700r4 behind a 400hp 383 with 4:11 posi. Cam is 245/245 @ .050. The 700r4 has a very low first gear so I can easily run a 2000 stall lockup converter. I'd probably have to run a higher stall if I was running a 350 or 400 tranny. The 700r4 with lockup converter is a great setup. You can run a high stall for launch then cruise with the lockup engaged to keep the heat under control.

Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

if you use and external tranny cooler you should have no probelm, most companies recommend using one... most stock converters are 1800 to 2000 rpm. my 2800 you hardly know it. but you don't feel at a red light it's very smooth and i have a 500 lift cam. if in doubt call the guy at boss hogg

Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

I have a 383 stroker with the hot cam and GM Bowtie vortec heads. I am running a Bowtie Overdrives 700R4 with 3.73 rear. I have a 3000 stall from Circle D torque convertor. I recently drove it from WA state to Denver and back with no problem. Around town its great, matches good with the cam. Note that the cams .525 lift is only with 1.6 rockers. I am running full roller valve train. Hope this helps.

Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

383 with th400 and 3.73 gears- running 2800 hughes stall and no problems.

Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

Thanks for all the replies. I ended up going with a Hughes Performance GM25 converter. For my setup, and my plans for the truck, the consensus of opinion from the manufatures was that somewhere around a 2500 stall would be my best bet.

Now I'm off to try to pick a set of headers, not too may options to choose from there, right? :hh:

Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

I think Hedman just came out with a mid length header specific to 67-72.
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Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

2500 will be perfect, good choice!

Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

How did the 2500 stall Torque Converter work out? Im curious. I have a truck with a Proformance cam MC1991 Rpm Range 2000-5500, Scatt 9000 crank, pro comp aluminum 200cc heads with 2.02/1.60 rockers full roller. I just got my B&M 70419 2400 stall converter for my rebuilt 700r4. My buddy is telling me its too much stall, but i think is will work just fine? Im curious of anyone is running the holeshot 2400 stall B&M converter? how do you like it?

Re: Best torque converter for 383 stroker?
 

You may not get an answer from the OP, he hasn't been on the board for a year and a half. Maybe someone else will chime in though.

LockDoc