Turbo Action Converter.... OLD School - Can't find much info

[inri]

Hey guys,

I did some searching on the internet to try and find an answer to my question regarding my torque converter but couldn't. So I'm posting here to get your take, seeing how many of you have been racing Mopars for a lonnngg time.

I'm changing engines in my '69 RR so I would like to sell my converter. I show the following numbers on it:
17509JS 87045
From what I found online the 17509J is a Turbo Action 9" Dynamic converter apx stall 4500-5000 that is no longer produced. Apparently it was a really good converter for the time as well as for today in a BB Mopar. I couldn't find the exact part number online that is listed on the converter. I'm not sure why not...

Sorry for such a long intro here, but my main question is: What is it potentially worth? I'd like to post it for sale on here or fee-bay for a fair price. 1 year ago I had it opened up and cleaned when I had the transmission rebuilt and it has about 10 miles on it since them.

I appreciate any info on this. Thanks.

 

[Shorthorse]

Inri, Selling or buying a used high stall torque converter is not an easy thing. In the past I've bought several used converters but considered them as cores and had them rebuilt. As a buyer, you have no way of knowing if it's any good or what the real stall speed is. So as a seller, it's hard to get any good money out of a used converter. There are always exceptions and you might find guys that will tell you about how they got lots of money for theirs. If you have any paper work on the previous work, that will help. If it has a steel stator. If it's a good converter, you're going to be asked why it's for sale. If it's a good known brand or model such as a "J" converter which seems to be popular. Your probably looking at about 50-200. This has been my experience, for what it's worth.

 

[inri]

Hi Shorthorse, thanks for the info.

I called up Turbo Action and spoke with Paul about the converter. Paul said the converter was built in 1987 has an aluminum stator and is designed for a footbrake car, not a transbrake and is dynamite when used on a street car (no four link, not cut up, etc.). Paul said the consistency is on par with a powerglide.

He said they are great converters they just aren't made anymore.
I think I'll post it up on ebay first

 

[68 HEMI GTS]

i run one in my dart, great convertor for street/strip. i picked up a fresh spare from coan about 5 years ago for $400 just to have a spare.

 

[Challenger340]

IMO,
You still Today... can NOT purchase as fine a Convertor as the old 17509 "J" cut stator Turbo Action.
Their lock up capabilities @ rpm were, and still are second to none..... and an excellent fit for any long rod BB Mopar !
I don't care WHAT different companies, even T/A themselves will tell you nowadays.

If not for the lack of availability of the old Capri German Ford Convertor bodies that they were based off(original tooling was destroyed), they would still be in production even today, but alas... re-tooling makes such an effort cost prohibitive.

I would strongly advise you to retain that Convertor for just about any Drag Race effort.
(just my 2 cents, no wars wanted)

 

[inri]

Sold on ebay for asking price of $449 with free shipping. Buyer will be very satisfied with the converter! Going to ship on Saturday.
Thanks for all the info guys.

 

[Shorthorse]

Good deal. I was way off on that one.

 

[Polara Pat]

Paul Forte from Turbo action is a super nice guy with so much info on converters and transmissions it'll make your head hurt. It's good to know that there are still a few companies out there that offer quality personal customer service like this.

 

[inri]

I Agree Pat.
Paul took the time to discuss the converter, specs, history, what vehicle it's best for etc. It's no wonder TA has been around so long. Great products and service from Paul.