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Race converter recomendations
#1046322
08/03/11 12:10 AM
08/03/11 12:10 AM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,054
Mooresburg, Tn
'72CudaRacer
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,054
Mooresburg, Tn
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I know this is like kicking a hornets nest, but I'm gonna ask it any way, and go sit in the shade and wait for the stinging to begin.
I have run (and am still running it) a Turbo Action 17509J torque converter many years and have been more than pleased with it, but I know it's "old school" tecnology. I'm wondering if there is something else that would be better for my combo, that folks on here have experince with and would be willing to share. I'll list my como at the end, anyone with this type como experince, please tell me what you think would benifet my combo.
'72 Cuda, 3100 lbs w/ driver
SS leafs, MP 50/50 long rear shocks
4.56 Dana, Strange spool & axles
6 cyl torsion bars, Calvert front shocks
stock K member and control arms
Micky Thompson 11.5 X 29.5 slicks
727, T/A manual valve body, rev pattern
440 +.030", Stealth heads, 13.5:1 comp,
MP .590 solid cam, 1050 dominator,
2" Hooker super comp headers, VP 112 race fuel
This car is a true footbrake racer, running 1/8 & 1/4 mile, best time of 6.4X, 105.xx and 10.39, 127.xx. The engine has not been on a dyno, but calculaters show horse power to be in the 585 range and torque just over 600 ft/lbs. I currently shift at 6000 and go through the 1/4 at just under 7000 rpms. I have always felt the mph to be low for the ET, but not sure.
I welcome all sugestions,
Thanks,
Brian Dunnigan
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: '72CudaRacer]
#1046323
08/03/11 12:18 AM
08/03/11 12:18 AM
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,527
PA
moparacer
master
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master
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,527
PA
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Wow you are going to get 20 replies with 20 different converter companies....
I have run ATI and Trans specialties converters for years without any problems.
I also have a Dynamic that is one of the best footbrake converters I have ever owned.
67 Barracuda street/bracket car 11.27-119
68 Dart 502 BB 8.70s-152
414 cid SB Dragster 7.65-174
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: '72CudaRacer]
#1046324
08/03/11 12:20 AM
08/03/11 12:20 AM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
MR_P_BODY
Master
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Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
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Your VERY close on the ET to MPH... what do you figure the RPM is for max torque... does the conv stall at that RPM or a couple hundred higher... whats the slippage rate on it... if those two things fall in line for your engine why change,,, I run a T/A conv also and I could use a bit more stall on my W-9 BUT it works fine and I could run the risk of having it SCREWED up 
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: J_BODY]
#1046327
08/03/11 12:54 AM
08/03/11 12:54 AM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 446
oregon
savoyracer
mopar
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mopar
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 446
oregon
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Quote:
Personally I wonder what a 4.10 gear would do for you. RPM seem pretty high for the combo.... just thinking out loud. We only run Ultimate torque converters. Lenny has treated us well over the years with an outstanding product and service. There are also a couple companies that I wouldn't do business with, but you didn't ask that....
......ok, I will ask. 
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: Dabee]
#1046328
08/03/11 01:03 AM
08/03/11 01:03 AM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,153
Adrian, Mi
pro6pakRR
mopar addict
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mopar addict
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,153
Adrian, Mi
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Quote:
Brian, give PTC a call, you won’t be disappointed. I have been running PTC converters for years.
Same here and have had no problems
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: '72CudaRacer]
#1046332
08/03/11 03:27 AM
08/03/11 03:27 AM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,399
Aurora, Colorado
451Mopar
master
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master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,399
Aurora, Colorado
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I had Lenny at Ultimate build me a custom converter.
I told him what I was looking for, and sent him the specs for my engine and car, and he sent me a converter that did just what I asked for. I think he would also make adjustments to the converter if needed. It was not cheap, but It was nice working with a professional and getting it right the first time. In my earlier age I bought several cheap converters and had some that were OK, and others that were junk. I finally got a nice Dynamic converter that worked pretty good, but sliped a bit in highway driving. The Ultimate converter I had built is tigher when driving in town and on the highway, but still stalls at a higher RPM then my dynamic. Because it is tighter, it does not hit the tires as hard at the track, but I was not looking for a track only converter.
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: 451Mopar]
#1046333
08/03/11 05:07 AM
08/03/11 05:07 AM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,210
robin hood country
deaks
master
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master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,210
robin hood country
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Brian
Your combination is very similar to mine, i'm at 3200 my edelbrocks are ported with a 950 holley, i run an ultimate 9", stalls about 47-4800 i think, i shift around 6000 and go through the line at 6500.
I reckon there might be another 1/10 in mine.
If your heads aren't ported, i dont think you'll do much better, your mph is in line with your et.
Mick
69 Dart GTS 440 mopar .590 cam, Edelbrock heads, 3200#
best et 6.45, 106.78, 10.14, 132.88 mph, 1.47 60ft
best 60ft 1.36
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: deaks]
#1046334
08/03/11 08:00 AM
08/03/11 08:00 AM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,528
Mansfield, Tx
Jacob Pitt
master
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master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,528
Mansfield, Tx
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I have a Ultimate in all three of the cars I footbrake. Big block e-body, small block a-body, and a Stock Eliminator Volare with a small block. His converter was a improvement over every converter I had prior. Very consistant and dependable.
2013 NHRA D4 Stock Champ
#4 in the World IHRA Stock
2x IHRA Div.4 Stock Champ
14x Track Champ
All using a Ultimate Converter Concepts converter. Call Lenny today 704-892-6837
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: 408strokerdart]
#1046336
08/03/11 09:36 AM
08/03/11 09:36 AM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,058
bigfork mn
dragram440
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,058
bigfork mn
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I am running A 8" coan and seems to be working good! Good customer service.
67' charger 499 RB
10.57 at 127
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: jim sciortino]
#1046338
08/03/11 10:09 AM
08/03/11 10:09 AM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,544
Syracuse,NY
CompWedgeEngines
master
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master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,544
Syracuse,NY
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ATI Treemasters have been great for us, and I wouldnt hesitate one bit to call Lenny at Ultimate as well. A good converter is the best money you can spend on ANY combination. 
RIP Monte Smith
Your work is a reflection of yourself, autograph it with quality.
WD for Diamond Pistons,Sidewinder cylinder heads, Wiseco, K1 rods and cranks,BAM lifters, Morel lifters, Molnar Technologies, Harland Sharp, Pro Gear, Cometic, King Engine Bearings and many others.
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: jim sciortino]
#1046339
08/03/11 10:09 AM
08/03/11 10:09 AM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,210
robin hood country
deaks
master
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master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,210
robin hood country
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The wallace calc shows your speed is right in line with your et, maybe a power upgrade might be a better idea.
Mick
69 Dart GTS 440 mopar .590 cam, Edelbrock heads, 3200#
best et 6.45, 106.78, 10.14, 132.88 mph, 1.47 60ft
best 60ft 1.36
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: '72CudaRacer]
#1046342
08/03/11 01:20 PM
08/03/11 01:20 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,595
On the south side of Nowhere
S/ST 3040
master
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master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,595
On the south side of Nowhere
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If you are interested in an Ultimate converter, I have an 8" for a 727 I've tried selling
in the "Race Parts" with no takers. It may be a little loose for you now. It flashed
about 5900 behind a 13:1 340. I'll have to check my log book but, believe it has less
than 20 passes on it. PM me if so.
EDIT: 21 passes TOTAL
Last edited by S/ST 3040; 08/03/11 05:25 PM.
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: '72CudaRacer]
#1046346
08/04/11 12:42 AM
08/04/11 12:42 AM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
MR_P_BODY
Master
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Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
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Quote:
Thanks for the replys. I have had Junk, cheap converters in the past (long time ago) and have been real pleased with my TA "J". Just wanted to know if there was something else better, but it works well enough now that I'm almost afraid to change it. I'd really hate to spend $900-$1200 and not see an improvement. I guess I was hopeing to hear about a new, one size fits all, magic bullet.
Thanks again,
Brian Dunnigan
You arent far off so there isnt going to be a magic
bullet thats going to give you a 1/2 second.....
MAYBE a .1 and I doubt you would see that.... your
ET and MPH are in line SO its time to do a little
work on the engine.........JMO
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: '72CudaRacer]
#1046348
08/04/11 06:41 PM
08/04/11 06:41 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,591
Canton, Ohio
Sport440
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,591
Canton, Ohio
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Quote:
This car is a true footbrake racer, running 1/8 & 1/4 mile, best time of 6.4X, 105.xx and 10.39, 127.xx.
I welcome all sugestions,
Thanks,
Brian Dunnigan
IMO, Your numbers indicate a problem on the second half track. Your only gaining 22 MPH from the 1/8 to the 1/4. You should be gaining another 24 to 26 MPH. Further your 6.45 ET 1/8th equates to around a 10.20 1/4, not a 10.39
Whats your 60ft. numbers, if they are stellar 1.35,s or so that might explain the hard first half vs the slower second. Typical, numbers for that 10.39 et would be low 1.4,s 1.41 to 1.43
Your slippage numbers dont look bad. I wouldnt consider a vert change until you can get the numbers more inline. 
Last edited by Sport440; 08/05/11 12:39 AM.
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: '72CudaRacer]
#1046349
08/04/11 08:25 PM
08/04/11 08:25 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,531
Jacksonville, FL
Chris2581
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,531
Jacksonville, FL
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IMHO, I really think you'll have a hard time improving on what you already have.I know I wouldn't take a $9-1200 gamble.As most know when it comes to converter posts,I always will suggest Turbo Action.Our first TA 3800 was purchased in 1977 and it still works great to this day and has never been back to TA or anyone else for a freshening.I can honestly say that the converter and the Dana 60 are 2 things I never worry about in the car.I have found Turbo Action products to be very good quality and we've never had any problem with their stuff.
Nautilus Racing-
We use Superformance gaskets and Turbo Action converters/products.
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: gregsdart]
#1046351
08/04/11 10:04 PM
08/04/11 10:04 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,202
aZLiViN
J_BODY
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,202
aZLiViN
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Quote:
www.lofgrenauto.com
Chuck has been talking about 3 percent slip converters. Great guy to work with. Has been in the transmission biz for over 25 years.
Unless things have changed, Lenny (ultimate converters) has been Chucks "go to" guy. Chuck recommended him to me back when he was TCT.
We have a 904 Chuck built and the 727 in my car was originally out of his "shop" when it was still his house in Coon Rapids. Good guy!
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: Voluster]
#1046354
08/05/11 11:59 AM
08/05/11 11:59 AM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,210
robin hood country
deaks
master
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master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,210
robin hood country
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What is your combo, did you change anything else,what stall was on the J and what stall was on the ultimate.
Mick
69 Dart GTS 440 mopar .590 cam, Edelbrock heads, 3200#
best et 6.45, 106.78, 10.14, 132.88 mph, 1.47 60ft
best 60ft 1.36
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: Voluster]
#1046355
08/05/11 12:30 PM
08/05/11 12:30 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
MR_P_BODY
Master
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Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
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Quote:
Lenny is the man
I called him and told him what I had and what I was doing.
Pulled my j converter and put his in car went from 10.28at 130mph to 9.88 at 136
That just sounds like your conv was way off before...
whats the difference in RPM at the traps
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: moparacer]
#1046357
08/05/11 08:55 PM
08/05/11 08:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,591
Canton, Ohio
Sport440
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,591
Canton, Ohio
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Quote:
Quote:
i worry more about consistency, than max et or mph. got a looser one coming to try out.
Now yer thinkin!
But the OP, Brian, is looking for a improvement in ET. On anther thread, he also implied he was looking for more consistancy. 
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: deaks]
#1046360
08/05/11 11:01 PM
08/05/11 11:01 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 550
Ma
Voluster
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 550
Ma
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I didn't change anything but the converter the J converter was way to loose or slipping car hit the limiter on the big end. was an old school unit Put lennys converter in there and it picked up in the 60 and all the way down the track lenny said somewhere in the 3800 on the motor and 5200 on the juice. I don't know where it stalls I was to busy driving 
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: moparacer]
#1046361
08/05/11 11:31 PM
08/05/11 11:31 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,054
Mooresburg, Tn
'72CudaRacer
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,054
Mooresburg, Tn
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Thanks for the replys and insite guys. My TA "J" converter is on the big brown truck, heading to Paul Forte (Turbo Action), to let him have a look at it. This converter has approx 800 passes on it since it was last freshened up. The REAL problem I have been dealing with is ocasionally the air shifter would go to 2nd gear on time, but the air cylinder would keep the shifter pulled back (B & M Pro Ratchet) and I would have to "burp" the throttle to get it to release. When I would burp the throttle, the shifter would go back to center position and then immediately go to high gear. The next time it would function normally. It appears that the RPM's were not droping back far enough when it shifted to release the RPM switch. It did it so randomly that it was hard to pinpoint a pattern, but seemed to do it when it was hot, usually when going "round robin". Paul thinks that possibly the sprag in the converter is slipping when it gets hot?? We will know soon. I do know that it has cost me at least two races, one of which was the final of the mid season shoot out. I like what I have with my Turbo Action converter, just wondering if I can improve upon it.  And if anyone thinks my car isn't consistant... lets just say my car has been called a Zerox machine more than a few times.  Thanks again, Brian Dunnigan
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Re: Race converter recomendations
[Re: 340B5]
#1046364
08/06/11 02:00 PM
08/06/11 02:00 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,054
Mooresburg, Tn
'72CudaRacer
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,054
Mooresburg, Tn
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Quote:
If it is'nt very broke, don't fix it very much. 
I like the way you think.
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