torque converter question

[TurbolessRegal]

I know what a converter does and all that, but what does the stall speed mean, and how does it make the driveline better for certain applications? Also, how do stock converters (don't know what their stall range is) and other ones (say 2800-3000rpm) compare? Thanks

 

[SilverSleeper]

Basically stall speed is what you get when you put your foot on the brake, and push on the gas until either the tires spin or it wont rev any higher.
Low stall slips less, and engages nearly right off idle. But, if you are trying to accelerate faster, you want to be in the motors powerband sooner. So a higher stall will put you there.
In a turbo application, it lets you make more boost (higher rpm= increased exhaust=higher boost) and leave from a dead stop with more power.
Converters, just like gears, cams, timing, etc, are dependant on the application.
Stall speed is also dependant on torque. If you take a converter that stalls at 2000 rpm for a stock 350, and put it behind a race built motor, it will stall higher. Hence the need to match the converter to your motor.
The trade off in going for higher stall, is increased trans temp (because the converter slips more), and decreases gas mileage, due to the slippage. But, with a trans cooler to help temps, and a locking clutch conveter (locks input & ouput together at highway speeds) those trade offs become less of a concern.
Hope that helps, man!

 

[The Radius Kid]

Stall is the point where the converter reaches it's maximum energy transfer potential[torque coupling].
The above is a pretty good description.
However,if you're going for 3,000 or higher stall,use a 9.5" converter.The big 12" converters don't do well at 3,000 stall.
You might want to read this:www.converter.cc

 

[Rollin]

This area is for "Off topic" discussions. This one is going to Trans Talk....

 

[MeanBuicks]

Here's some more good reading.

Torque Converters Explained