hey guys, i have a mailfunction on my 71 boattails torque converter clutch so i need to buy a new converter.it has the original strong running (stock?) 455 with a new hei and normally it would make a burnout for up to 20 meter and more.i just do not know the cars history, but i only know the engine was rebuild. i recently lett someone rebuild my transmission. they left the converter like it was. i only had the original power back for a verry short time and after that time it seemed that the converter clutch has failed to do its job. i have been surching the powerloss also in the engine, but the engine runs verry strong at higher rpm,gives a good vacuum and compression. the problem is, i do not know wat stall rpm the stock converter has at this moment, i cant find the stall point for a 71 boattails stock converter in the manual so i have no numbers compare with.also i would like to place headers in the future so i think (but i am not sure) it would be better to buy a converter with some higher stall rpm than stock. at the speedshop in our country they didnt give me a good strong advice, they are just sellers and would sell me anything. can either of you guys give me a good advice please give me a brand and stall rpm for a good strong running boattail for street use. not for daily use,just for weekends and fun-driving. is it wise to go for some higher stall than stock? thank you guys,
Welcome! Thats a nice car you have. We don't know if the motor is totaly stock because it was rebuilt, unless you have some specs? I'd say that a 2000 to 2200 rpm stall would work good for you. Stock was probly a bit under 2000. Spend a bit to get a good converter the first time.
thank you sean,i also like your car,,it isn't my first time on this forum, but its quite some time ago since i visit the forum. its the technical englisch that bothers me some time to post some questions, but i get now used to read and write it now. i have still one question (in red), but first a story about the first year and a half i own and love the riviera. i have the car for almost 2 year and i have been replacing a lot of parts . i am glad the paintjob was done verry good by the previous owner, they did it verry nice.its a porche bronze color.its a plesure to drive or just sit in this car as a passendger. i had to do a lot technical restoration like brake pumps, a lpg instalation and tank,gasolinepump,airco pump,alternator,starter,rebuild carburator, all the wetherstripes are new,the hei is rebuild ,enginegaskets,transmission rebuild,some hard to find interior and exterior parts are replaced,new speedometer, rebuild clock from mr sawdust, a loud boston acoustic rally soudsystem(i never use it,the engine sounds like 10 harleys with open tailpipes and is music to my ears) and now i have just ordered the complete axelrebuild parts at pro gear in the netherlands. so i have a complete rebuild drivetrain before next summer when i replase the slipping converter. i hope the drivetrain is the last technical error for long time. i payed this car a lottmore than i see them for sale on line and i just keep changing parts. on the other hand i am verry glad with the extremely rustfree body. my future plans are first wider rims and tires and headers for some horsepower. and of course drive without the noise from the axel and with the power like when i bought it.the converter lost every month a little horses untill it start screeming above the axel bearings so i could hear the damnd thing. i had a website made some time ago,but it is offline, i replace it maby this summer when i have more time to fix it. at this moment i only have the pictures in the album on line. converters are unknow and totaly new to me, witch brand is a good one?
Cool story bronze-boattail, I really like that color! I think the scene in the background of your picture is really nice! Sounds like you've been treating your Buick nicely. Keep up the good work and keep us posted on your progress. Sean.
Check out JW Winters torque converter site. They seem to be a little more reasonably prices than others. I have been using their 2200 stall for years with no probs. just make sure you tell them you need Buick cover as most companies will just send Chevy bolt pattern. Major pain in the #@$
i just replaced the converter . its a tireburner again. i did not choose a new converter, i lett a transmission specialist saw open my stock converter and replace the worn parts inside (some sort of clutch was broken).they also give it a bit higer stall (stalls at 2000rpm now).after replacing all parts they weld it back together. today i have been driving in the rain . it was difficult to drive without spinning wheels. the car pulls like new.
Please explain this text underneath your user's name to foreign board members: from belgium witlof I like it, I often say something similar to that..... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Too bad you're not from Brussels, it's called Brussels chicory in English :Smarty:
