Another Torque Converter Question

[rklewis1005]

So I've read through many threads on Torque Converters; however, I'm still not sure what to buy for my car.

1970 Charger SE - 383 HP, auto, sure-grip (don't have the build sheet and haven't popped the diff yet to see what the ratio is). I'm keeping everything stock, I didn't crank the HP, I'm not installing torque boxes or sub-frame connectors, and I'm keeping 14" whiles on it. As I search for Torque Converters and review the FSM, it would appear 10" bolt pattern, 2350-2650 stall is what came with it.

Is there any reason I wouldn't just get a TCI (std not break away) from Rock Auto or Autozone? Are they complete junk?

I think Hughes is the next choice, but the price is 200-300 more. Is it worth it?

Any recommendations for a specific Make/Model with a similar setup (actual use/experience is best)?

It's not really about the money as it's less than half a percent of the restoration cost. I don't want to overbuy; however, I don't want to replace it later due to failure. I want something that will work for street driving for many years. Yes, I may occasionally step on the pedal, but cruising more than anything.

Thanks
Ross

 

[gtxrt]

the factory 11" like you have is the best your going to get. I put them in my 440 in place of the 12" stock one. I used Hughes 2000 rpm and pulled it out to much flashing and loose feeling. unless you get more into the upper rpm stalls

 

[ckessel]

I have the Hughes 24-20 unit, 2k stall, in my wagon with an oil eating 440 in front of it. I concur that the unit seems awful loose. The PO installed it in the car. When I put the fresh engine in it, the engine/trans will get pulled out as a combo. I want to get the trans freshened, as it's a perfect time to do so. While it out, even though when I talked to the Hughes tech gent he said run the 24-20, I'm thinking of getting their 24-XTM unit instead. Higher efficiency and a little less stall.

 

[gtxrt]

I'm thinking of getting their 24-XTM unit instead. Higher efficiency and a little less stall.

I had that one and it was way too tight. they were going to make me up one in-between the two but I ended up getting one from ptc and couldn't use the factory 11" cause I needed the 19 spline one.

 

[ckessel]

Of course the best solution is a custom unit. The one you and I have are done for the general applications as kind of a one size fits all. I have time to stew on it. May go custom.

 

[rklewis1005]

Of course the best solution is a custom unit. The one you and I have are done for the general applications as kind of a one size fits all. I have time to stew on it. May go custom.

I was hoping to find someone that had a good experience with something off the shelf, but the old saying hope in one hand....

I'm wrapping up the transmission rebuild in the next several days, then I'd need the TC to bolt the trans into the engine & mount both on my K-frame & K-frame dolly. That will turn 3 piles of stuff into 1 giant connected assembly!

 

[davek]

Ross call some transmission shops and ask them what they suggest and go from there. Just a thought.

 

[copper67sat]

I've had a TCI Saturday Night Special TC in my 67 Satellite for over 20 years/~30k miles with no complaints. Don't know how current quality compares. Car has a mild 383 auto w/ 3.23 SG and 26.5" tires on 14" wheels. I think the rated stall speed is 1600-2000 RPM which is slightly higher than stock to help with the warmer cam I put in.