Custom Torque Converter Phoenix Ordering Guide

What Information Do You Need to Order a Custom Torque Converter?

A torque converter is not selected by transmission model alone. Two vehicles may both use a 4L60E, TH400 or 4R70W and still need very different converter characteristics. Engine torque, vehicle weight, rear gearing, tire diameter and intended use all change how a converter behaves once it is installed.

That is why a good order begins with accurate information. Before calling a converter builder, gather the details below. A few minutes spent checking the vehicle can prevent an expensive mismatch and give the builder a clearer picture of what the car or truck is expected to do.

Start With the Vehicle and Transmission

Write down the year, make and model of the vehicle, along with the exact transmission. Include whether the transmission is stock, rebuilt or modified. If it has a transbrake, manual valve body, upgraded input shaft or other internal changes, mention those as well.

The builder may also need to know whether the converter is lockup or non lockup, the input spline count and the flexplate or bolt pattern. Do not rely on memory when the vehicle has been engine swapped or assembled from parts belonging to several model years.

Describe the Engine Honestly

Provide the engine displacement, compression ratio and expected horsepower and torque when those figures are available. Dyno results are helpful, but a sensible estimate is better than an inflated number.

List the camshaft specifications, cylinder heads, intake, fuel system and exhaust setup. Power adders such as a turbocharger, supercharger or nitrous system must be included. The converter needs to work with the engine’s actual torque curve, not simply its peak horsepower figure.

If the cam card is available, keep it nearby when placing the order. Duration, lift, lobe separation and the manufacturer’s stated operating range can help the builder understand where the engine begins making useful power.

Check Weight, Gearing and Tire Size

Vehicle weight affects the load placed on the converter. Use the complete running weight when possible, including the driver, fuel and equipment normally carried. A lightweight street car will not load the same converter in the same way as a heavy truck.

Record the rear axle ratio and rear tire diameter. Tire diameter changes the effective gearing, so quoting only the wheel size is not enough. A 15 inch wheel may carry several very different tire heights. Give the full tire size or measure the mounted tire from the ground to the top.

Explain How the Vehicle Will Be Used

A street cruiser, daily driver, tow vehicle and drag car need different priorities. Be specific about the amount of street driving, highway use and track time. For a truck, include the normal load and the heaviest trailer it is expected to pull.

Street manners matter too. Some owners want a firm, responsive feel with easy cruising. Others are willing to accept a looser feel in traffic to improve launches at the track. The right answer depends on the job, not on choosing the highest advertised stall speed.

Share Current Performance and Future Plans

Tell the builder what converter is in the vehicle now and what you like or dislike about it. Note any known flash stall, cruise RPM, track times or transmission temperature concerns. These observations can be valuable when the new converter is intended to correct a specific problem.

Also mention planned changes. A future camshaft, power adder, gear swap or larger tire could alter the recommendation. It is better to discuss a realistic next step now than to buy a converter that becomes unsuitable after the next round of upgrades.

Get a Converter Matched to the Complete Combination

Roadrunner Converters has built high performance, racing, towing, diesel and street torque converters in Phoenix since 1979. Its order desk can use your vehicle, engine, transmission, gearing, tire and usage details to recommend a converter for the complete combination. For help choosing a custom torque converter, call Roadrunner Converters at 602-437-2301 or toll free at 800-994-2301.