Any torque converter experts out there?

[JP_AstroMan]

Hey folks. I am wondering if any of you know your torque converters. If so, I could really use some help choosing one while my engine is at the machine shop. My '72 Monte was 454 swapped at some point and I bought it with that 454 in complete stock form. So I'm sure the converter is incorrect for what's coming.

Here are the important things to know:

496 BBC (approximately 575hp)

Cam 3000-6200rpm (cam specs attached)

TH400

4:11 rear gears (would like to change to 3:73 soon)

GearVendors

Cruise RPM - 2800

Tire size 275/45/18

Car weight 4000lbs

 

[MC1of80]

All depends on what you want to do with the finished product. 

For example, Big Red, my 70 SS was purchased as a roller with no engine or trans. Everything else was there. I built a 496, rectangle port 990 heads, rpm air gap, hooker comp headers with a stockish look, th400 with a tight 3000-3200 rpm converter that will flash to 4000 at the track with 3.31 gear. I went to PTC for the converter. Super happy with the results and I have used all the big name and small name converter manufacturers. I told them I wanted stock like street manners with a high flash for racing, when I go. They said they knew exactly what I needed. Sure as S#$t they did. 

I would recommend giving PTC or a manufacturer of your choosing a call. The 496 in any form is a torque monster! NOT including the factory 8.1. Lolol

[DragCat]

4 hours ago, MC1of80 said:

All depends on what you want to do with the finished product. 

 

As Tom said, end use is very important. If someone is building it for you get their input also. 

[JP_AstroMan]

How do you like the 3:31 gear? I can't stand the 4:11 much longer. It would be great if it were a 6 speed! 

 

[MC1of80]

Love the 3.31s with the torque of the 496! Cruising well with the 275/60 r15s and racing well with the 275/60 r 15 drag radials. Melts tires at will and can cruise the hwy. 

[NavyCPO]

On 4/16/2023 at 11:57 AM, MC1of80 said:

All depends on what you want to do with the finished product. 

For example, Big Red, my 70 SS was purchased as a roller with no engine or trans. Everything else was there. I built a 496, rectangle port 990 heads, rpm air gap, hooker comp headers with a stockish look, th400 with a tight 3000-3200 rpm converter that will flash to 4000 at the track with 3.31 gear. I went to PTC for the converter. Super happy with the results and I have used all the big name and small name converter manufacturers. I told them I wanted stock like street manners with a high flash for racing, when I go. They said they knew exactly what I needed. Sure as S#$t they did. 

I would recommend giving PTC or a manufacturer of your choosing a call. The 496 in any form is a torque monster! NOT including the factory 8.1. Lolol

Is that some type of Header Heat Shields I am seeing on this beast?  Are those custom manufactured or is something like that available for the rest of us?  In SBC format too maybe?

[MC1of80]

9 hours ago, NavyCPO said:

Is that some type of Header Heat Shields I am seeing on this beast?  Are those custom manufactured or is something like that available for the rest of us?  In SBC format too maybe?

No. Just hooker competition headers.

[NavyCPO]

Very Nice!