[WHAT Torque converter to BUY?????]

I wish I cauld tell you what to buy, but let me say this about the B&M: I had a 2400 stall behind a 375 hp 350. It performed well for the most part, but I felt it slipped too much at higher rpms - inefficient. Sure, its supposed to slip coming off the line, but even at rpms above 3000, it never felt like the engine was directly connected to the wheels.

 

I had a local company build a converter for my BB, and it stalls to about 2200, but over 3000, it almost feels like a lockup converter.

[How fast are you big block guys running?]

Sdl72Monte:

 

Those are impressive numbers indeed. I think that's great, but I also think it can easily be explained. You have to be saving 200lbs alone with a small block with aluminum heads. I think the heads are the most key element in producing power. I didn't see your choice of cam, but it sounds like all the parts are working together for strong midrange power - perfect for a heavy car. So good heads, lighter weight, and less friction with the TH350 plus draglites, no AC all add up to good times at resonable cost.

 

For me, I think aluminum heads will cut .2 off with just the weight savings (BBC iron heads are HEAVY).

[How fast are you big block guys running?]

Shawn,

 

I may be a little conservative, it may be closer to 10:1 cuz I had the 116 cc heads shaved .030".

 

Anyway, to answer your question, yes I must run premium all the time or it pings.

[How fast are you big block guys running?]

Went 12.90s with stickies with this mild combo:

 

454, 9.5 to 1

Oval ports with 2.19 valves

Erson 230 @ 050, .538" lift

HEI, 38 degrees total

Strip Dominator

800 Holley DP

Open Exhaust

2200 convertor

3:31 gears

4000lbs without me

[Big Block (hoping for easy 11s)]

Hammer: After reading your post I think you will have no problems with 11s. I had that as a goal but it may be a little unrealistic with the parts I'm choosing - less cam, less convertor, less gear.

 

I have a couple of questions: Have you put your info in a computer to see what times you should be running? What is the HP required to run 11s in a 4000lb car?

I had picked a 542 hp recipe for a 454, and now I'm not sure that's gonna cut it....unless I put ol Blue on a diet!

[350 turbo to 400 turbo]

Don't forget the TH400 electric kickdown switch and bracket for the gas pedal, not that you need it with a 468 BB....