I have an auto 3rd gen. I understand the principal of a torque converter but dont understand what stall speed means. I have mods to about 330-360 bhp. What stall speed do I need. Thanks in advance.

 

Stall speed is basically the speed (in engine RPM's) where the torque convertor will begin to transfer power to the tranny. So if your convertor has a stall speed of 3000 RPM (like the stock auto FD's) you should (in theory) be able to hold the car with the brakes and increase the engine RPM to 3000 before it begins to break traction. However I've noticed that this is not perfectly true, I think the torque convertor begins to transfer power before 3K and is fully engaged at 3K. Level 10 and some other companies offer higher stall speeds, I believe all the way up to 4K, but your going to sacrifice some of the "daily drivability" with that. Imagine slipping the clutch at 4K at every light. If your looking just to get a convertor that can handle the extra power your producing you might just want to get their Billet Convertor with the stock stall speed. However some people here have experienced problems in dealing with Level 10 (part of the reason why I'm going to do a 5spd swap soon). I'll let them chime in with their stories.

 

I agree with Jr , dont deal with Level Ten. My auto to 5speed swap well be done this comming week. Ill let you guys know how it went.

 

Having a high stall for a daily driver is great! I have a 3800, and love it... It makes it so you can run a bigger turbo and it slips so high that is doesn't feel like it has lag. It makes it a lot more driveable!

-Ethan

 

The cool thing about a auto with a stall speed is for drag racing you can hold the brake and let the boost build then just take your foot off and way you go!!!!

Just because your stall speed is 3k-4K doesnt mean you cant take off lower you just wont have full power. If I were you I'd go with what Ebanks is using. He seems to like it

An auto to 5 speed sway is VERY costly....especially if you have someone else do it. Even if you do it your looking at the trans, clutch, some computer differences that need to be worked out and I'm sure much more. I'd just get a beefy converter with a stall speed that worked well for others and go with it.

Later,

 

Thanks guys for the input. So what I still don't get is, What the stall speed means. If it is 3000rpm now will the engine stall at that, The car start to move with the brake on or what? How much of this abuse will the standard converter take? Can I do this regularly or save for special occasions.
What makes of converter are good. What have you got EBANKS?
Thanks

 

Read this informative FAQ: http://www.converter.com/faqs.htm

It's been said that the stock tranny can handle up to 350rwhp, as that some have had theirs break in that range. THere are a thousand and one reasons for tranny failure though, and I do not know if anybody has real scientific proof.

Either way, I would get mine changed out anyways when at that level.

EBANKS has a mean Lexus (Toyota) SC coupe...