When to run a stall converter?

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by Reidk, Nov 16, 2020.

  1. Fox's Den

    Fox's Den 355Xrs

    I would say so Jim does a great job with the convertors. Start with the 2-2200 convertor and usually they will be able to open up more if you like in the future for minimal cost.
     
  2. Fox's Den

    Fox's Den 355Xrs

    After you get this convertor stop there with getting parts and save up for a 4 speed automatic and a 373-410 gear (410 better) and a 3200 convertor with a lockup and you will have best of both worlds. That's my goal 410 gear.
     
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  3. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    Jim’s converters are usually really good. They do cost a bit more, but it’s a premium product. Yes you should like it, I would think you will notice a difference. I do use a premium coan converter in my race car. Stall is 3500.
     
  4. Reidk

    Reidk Well-Known Member

    Scare of a lifetime last night. I Saw fluid dripping from my header flange last night with a small puddle on the garage floor. I popped radiator cap and noticed fluid was a little low. Quietly walked back inside to eat dinner...million things are running through my head. Bout to give this car away lol. I then realized that maybe it's just the heater hose leaking from above. Sure enough I walk outside and the heater hose is wet and there is a fresh drip on the top side of the header tube. Big sigh of relief lol.

    Now for the exciting stuff! I spent a little bit of my stimulus money today. But no converter is coming yet. Jim basically convinced me that I need his custom made 9" converter for my current setup but his real advice was to save up for the right rearend gears, 200r4 swap , then to buy one of his converters. So I will tune my carb to run as good as I can with the afr and patiently collect parts for the final build.

    Heres what's coming:

    Afr gauge with two 02 sensors

    New 14" straight through magnaflow mufflers (I'm losing power with turbos I believe)

    Axle back flow master 2.5" mandrel bent pipes (my buddy will bend the easy pieces)

    Flexible 7' stainless tranny cooler lines that I plan to route through my frame to get away from header heat and eventually route to an aftermarket cooler

    Secondary idle adjustment kit

    More squirters and carb gaskets

    Previously I ordered the H pipe kit, 02 header collector's, and some air bleeds. That should be here Wednesday.

    I may end up doing a disc brake conversion later this year with a dropped spindle. but the drum brakes actually work extremely well.

    Project is getting closer to being finished.
     
    johnriv67 likes this.
  5. patwhac

    patwhac Well-Known Member

    You know you just reminded me of the 200-4R sitting in my garage. At this point I've decided to do a manual trans swap instead . . . I was planning on putting it up for sale on here eventually but if you're interested let me know! It was pulled from a supposedly running 1983 Buick T-Type (BQ code iirc).
     
  6. Reidk

    Reidk Well-Known Member

    Where are you located?
     
  7. patwhac

    patwhac Well-Known Member

    I'm in Berkeley, CA 94703. Where are you at again?
     
  8. Reidk

    Reidk Well-Known Member

    Iowa. Shipping price would be ridiculous I bet. What are you looking to get out of it? I can probably find one local. I haven't even tried yet.
     
    Mart likes this.
  9. Fox's Den

    Fox's Den 355Xrs

    now yer thinkin
     
    Mart likes this.
  10. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

     

    Attached Files:

  11. patwhac

    patwhac Well-Known Member

    Yeah looking for a local one is probably your best bet as I agree shipping would be crazy! I think I paid something in the $400 range for it. Would be nice to get something similar. I have no idea what they're worth? Let me know if you have any luck locally! I think finding one of the "good" ones will be tougher but you may be able to find one with less desirable parts.

    From here (post #7):

    http://www.montecarloss.com/community/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=887095

    I'm pretty sure I have a "BQ" trans. Can check to confirm. There's lots of info out there about the differences between all the 200-4Rs!
     
  12. Reidk

    Reidk Well-Known Member

    Theres one on Ebay out of a monte. 425 bucks. Midwest seller. So possibly within driving range. Waiting to hear back about exact location
     
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  13. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    If it’s not a cz code from SS monte it’s probably not worth 400. And it still could use a freshen up with Kevlar band and updated servo. 10 vain pump. A d5 torque converter will stall about 1800-2000 if it has one.
     
  14. Reidk

    Reidk Well-Known Member

    From what I've read the 2004r has a 274 first gear. It would be sweet to have one.
     
  15. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    Yes, the 200 has a 2.74 first. Which is available for the 350 trans I mentioned to you in the beginning. another popular swap is the 700 trans with a 3.08 first gear. I have one here. But the convertible floor pan made the clearance undesirable to me. So I went back to 350 trans and a 2700 torque converter for now.
     
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  16. Reidk

    Reidk Well-Known Member


    Yeah I remember but that gear set is pricey
     
  17. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    Yes but the 350 trans is stronger then the 200.
     
  18. Fox's Den

    Fox's Den 355Xrs

    The 200 4r trans has been the best upgrade I ever did to the car I did it in 2005 there is nothing special just a good rebuild by my local trans builder Janis Trans in Akron Ohio.

    I have ran a 125 shot of nitrous and had 1.60 60 ft times and went 11.81 @114
    My suspension is so stiff because of the handling package you cannot bounce the car. I never broke this trans yet and I have run it very hard so you are not going to break one at all unless you put 600 hp to it.

    I talked to Vince Janis at the track and he told me when the car gets under 10 sec he goes to the 400 trans. So I would not worry at all on trans selection just get one and get a good builder to rebuild it.

    It cost me around 1600$ for the trans but my lockup torque convertor cost me 800$ fat ones 2005 dollars.

    Now my last couple of years I have backed off the nitrous to a 75 shot to keep that old engine alive.
    My trans came from a Cadillac but I do not think Vince looked for anything particular.

    Do this and be done with it and then you will be ready for your next step 373-410 gears or maybe a touch more if you really want to get crazy.

    I smacked around a Mustang with a supercharger when I ran the 125 shot.

    I have not broke this trans and I bet you can't either.
     
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  19. Fox's Den

    Fox's Den 355Xrs

    Real world comes from this camp
     
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  20. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    Vince would be one of the top transmission builders of the 200.
     
    Reidk likes this.

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