If you’re considering a new torque converter for your drag racing vehicle, this post will help you understand what factors you should keep in mind when choosing. There are many things you expect to get from your converter, including fast acceleration speed, a nice mid-ranged power and efficient stall speeds (RPMs required for the converter to spin and overpower the load amount). The following tips will help during your research on torque converters as well.
1. Vehicle’s Weight:
Although it may be an obvious aspect, by knowing the vehicle’ weight you can chose the correct racing torque converter for your needs. For example, if there is more resistance, you are going to want a higher stall converter.
2. Peak Horsepower and Torque:
It is important to understand torque numbers, as you will be wanting the stall to lock-up when close to peak toque of the engine. This means that the engine locks the transmission input shaft, providing a 1 to 1 communication between the transmission and engine. Therefore, slippage is reduced and heat within the converter increases. This means having a full understanding of the peak torque of your engine provides the knowledge of which converter will be most efficient, allowing you to increase track speed.
Naturally Aspirated Engines
When it comes to aspirated engines, it can help to know the peak torque to properly combine the factors. However, knowing the peak horsepower will assist in choosing proper internal parts.The horsepower is able to tell us the proper torque converter core to use. For example, 500 to 700 HP engines would not use the same core that a 1,000 to 1,500 HP engine would use. Just like a 1,600 to 2,000 HP engine would also use a different core. A torque converter is among the most important parts in drag racing builds, but one of the most misunderstood at the same time.
3. Cam Specs
The aggression or mildness of cam setups are another important aspect of a torque converter. Say the cam’s duration is less than 220 degrees, which is commonly seen in strip/street vehicles, you will most likely require a converter with lower stall speeds. Meanwhile, a full-blown build would require a converter with much higher stall speeds.
4. Rear Gear Ratio
Simply put, higher stall speed converters need additional gear. It is important to understand the gear needed to allow your converter to properly lock-up and performoptimally.
5. Transmission Type:
Knowing the type of transmission is an important factor. A two or three speed transmission makes a difference. Naturally aspirated setups will require a different approach based on transmission type.
With a 1 to 2 shift on a two speed transmission, you will need to ensure RPM drop under 700 to 800 RPM, while on a three speed the RPM drop on shift would be between 300 and 500 RPM It all depends on the setup.
6. Power Additions and Nitrous
There are many who purchase converters, then spray a 250 shot at the track and complain about the converter being too loose. It is the same when it comes to a turbo setup, they may have a converter designed for a naturally aspirated engine. A turbo creates boost at a lower RPM, changing the converter’s stall speed depending on when the boost is created by the turbo. A nitrous setup is somewhat similar to that of a turbocharged engine due to the nitrous coming at lower RPMs. Therefore, it will be important to understand the amount of nitrous being used by the driver to properly setup the converter stall.
However, a supercharged setup can create power at higher RPMs. There are many possible questions that can come up when choosing a drag racing converter, which would make a list longer than we can provide here. Although, these are the more common and easily overlooked areas to take into consideration. The choice may be easy for some setups, while a heavier care with mild cams and three speed transmissions could require a bit of compromise.
Drag Racing Torque Converters
If you’re searching for a new or higher performance replacement drag racing torque converter, we can help! Roadrunner Torque Converters builds the best torque converters for a wide variety of applications, including high performance racing torque converters. We help you choose the right torque converter with the tailored stall speed for your vehicle set up. Our torque converters are simply built tougher than OEM parts for serious motorists and drag racers. For help selecting the best torque converter for your drag racing vehicle give us a call. Our team can help you go over the power output details on your vehicle and ensure you get the right torque converter, the first time.
Call Toll Free: 800-994-2301
