440 Converter selection/identification

Time to mate my 440 and the 727 together.

I've got two converters, both of unknown origin.

Measuring the weights and their locations on the back of the converter, and looking inside the converter hub, the 727 Handbook tells me that one is a 360 w/ cast crank 72-77, and the other is a 400 w/ cast crank 72-77. Both also appear, due to the internal impressions in the impeller, to be low stall models.

Is there any way to be a little more definitive about this? There is a "B" stamped on the engine side of, what I believe to be, the 400 converter. There is also timing marks (10* BTDC - 0 - 10* ATDC) directly infront of the ring. As I understand it, this would have been a motor home application.

There are no stampings of any kind on the small block converter.

I'm unsure of which to use at this point. Can the smallblock converter be used for my big block application? Or should I just use the 400 converter? What are the chances it is actually a 440 converter? It did come off the back of my 440, but who knows when it was placed there and by whom.

Should I save up my pennies and buy one that I know the stall speed of? I'm not sure that's really in the budget at this point, but if it's my only option....


Thanks for the help. Getting near the end (or the beginning, depending on how you look at it..)

Cheers

Pat

There really is no big block or small block converter, some converters were used on both. When it comes to externally balanced converters the weight(s) dictate their use.

If they're both the same diameter and you intend to remove the weights and for use on an internally balanced 440, either one will work.

John, you'll have to excuse my ignorance in the matter, but is it correct that a 440 with a cast crank and the larger dampener for external balance that ill need to keep the weights on my converter? This is my understanding. Not so much concerned about small or big block converter. More so concerned with the possibility of putting in an inappropriate stall.

Thanks
Pat

Bump, so I might be able to bolt this thing together today

Quote:

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John, you'll have to excuse my ignorance in the matter, but is it correct that a 440 with a cast crank and the larger dampener for external balance that ill need to keep the weights on my converter? This is my understanding. Not so much concerned about small or big block converter. More so concerned with the possibility of putting in an inappropriate stall.

Thanks
Pat

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If your running a cast crank 440 you'd better worry about proper weights.. Personally I'd run the B&M flexplate # 10238 which is balanced for a cast crank 440 & a neutral balance T/C...