- Mar 30, 2009
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A stall converter is a torque converter with a higher rpm launch ability for an automatic transmission. Guys with manual transmissions can rev up their cars really high and drop the clutch for a super hard launch. Automatics don't have that luxury with the stock torque converter, so getting a converter that revs higher at launch is the way to go for much quicker starts.
The stock torque converter flashes to about 2300 rpm's if you mash the gas pedal. A stall converter that flashes to about 3000 to 3200 rpm's is a good street/strip upgrade, but our heavy cars really need a bit more to really launch hard. 3400 to 3600 rpm converters are really about perfect for entertaining street/strip cars, while maintaining decent fuel economy. I bought one rated for 3600 rpm's (in a stock GT). Once you start adding horsepower, though, the rpm's that it flashes it will go up. So, with just a CAI & tune, my was flashing to 3800 rpm's. Added the supercharger and it now flashes to 4800 rpm's making for a very aggressive launch (just like a guy with a manual trans revving to 4800 rpm's and dumping the clutch).
Keep in mind that if you take off with partial throttle, the car won't rev as high. The flash speeds I mentioned above are only at wide open throttle. So, the car will feel normal at light throttle, but is a beast when you mash the pedal to the floor. Wide open throttle shifts are better, too, as rpm's never fall below the flash speed (unlike a manual trans when you lift off the gas to shift and lose rpm's - and boost with a blower/turbo).
To preserve fuel economy, select a stall converter with a lock-up feature. The factory torque converter locks up in 4th and 5th gears (with an internal clutch in the converter) to get better mileage at highway speeds. Low gears don't need the lock-up as you want the converter loose to rev higher for better acceleration. Too loose all the time, though, generates heat which is harder on the trans. So, a bigger trans cooler is a great idea with bigger stall speeds.
Hope this info gets you started. Anyone with an automatic who drag races or wants a more aggressive daily driver should get an aftermarket stall converter. Mine dropped 3 tenths of a second off my 60', 330', and 1/8 mile ET's at the dragstrip and made the car so much funner to drive. Got more performance gain from the converter than the 4.10 gears (and for about the same money).
another noob question but what is flash point?
........Some of the older New Edge guys might get that lol
