Stall convertor

[MIDLERTH]

Does anyone here use a stall converter or know the pro's and cons of it. Ive heard that it will give me better mid range use of my motor for 4wheelin.

[robselina]

I've kinda thought about using one too. There are those situations when you need to get some speed up and you don't have any space, and a stall converter would definitelly help I would think.

[Stuka]

A stall can be a good and bad thing.

1: it depends on what rpm stall you go with. And remember, it will rarely enguage at the exact rpm that its advertised for. It depends on the engine and tranny used.

2: My only experiance with them with drag racing or 4x4 pulling trucks. They suck for the street, royally. Especially if you ever gota go through traffic. (of course this is withh higher RPM stalls)

3: I personally think it will increase the likely hood of breaking parts. As instead of feathering the gas in some cases were you are only using low end torque, your up at the peak power range.

4: They dont always hook up at the same rpm, so they take some getting used to.

If you did go with one, make it like a 1500ish one. I think many of the RV versions of the C6/TH400 came with a stall of this range. Its low enough to still be drivable on the street without any hassels, and gives you enough RPM's to give you more omf.

[Zacko]

All converters have a stall speed which is inherent to the design of torque converters. Your stock ones are just in the 1200-1500 range like Stuka says above.
I wouldn't personally recommend a higher than stock stall speed for anything for normal off road for the reasons listed above.
You would be better off reprogramming the shifting of the trans with a B&M or Transgo kit. They aren't all that expensive and the best part is you don't have to pull the tranny to install even the most radical kits.
You rebuild the valve body and make some spring changes to the servos etc.
The best part so far with mine is the ability to hold it whatever gear I want. If 2nd gear works, you put the shifter on 2 and it stays there, and the same goes for 1st.
It's cheaper than a pricey stall converter too.

[MIDLERTH]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

[Wagillac]

The main reason higher stall converters arent used offroad is because of the increased heat build up in the transmission the higher the stall the more heat the converter makes.
Besided that it increases your chanses of breaking stuff. I dont think drive ability would be a big issue or street driving. High stall converters are used all the time in High perf cars. There also is a big difference between brands and the better ones cost more.

Here is one brand that has a good rep. I dont know if they have any thing for amc though if the converter is different.
http://www.raceconverters.com/

[River Beast]

I have wheeled with a stall converter and hated it!!!

You know those spots that you have to baby up a rock face or obstacle... well with a stall, it's dang near impossible... either its stalling and not giving you the traction or you spin like crazy once it kicks in.... no thanks....

[ April 30, 2003, 03:06 PM: Message edited by: River Beast ]

[Damage, Inc.]

'Zactly what RB said...

[netbear]

For off-road use, I would use a stock converter
and low RPM torque cam. Use gearing changes if
you need more torque. Friends have tried higher
stall converters offroad and ended up pulling
them out. Too many disadvantages.