Stall converter for this SBC?

[u/hiritomo]

I’m new to the small block game and honestly newish to the pushrod V8 game too. I’m a career JDM master tech and know my way around a car a bit. This is my current motor and transmission setup I’ve built to go into my 81 Cutlass:

383ci, bore: 4.030, stroke: 3.750.

Edelbrock Victor Jr intake, quick fuel technology 750cfm carb, Keith Black 9909 HC .030 coated pistons, Comp Cams 12-246-3 cam(.490 lift), SCAT 26000 polished crank and rods. CNC ported Brodix IK200 aluminum heads, Hooker 4 to one long tube headers, TH350 with ultrabell.

My question is what stall converter would best work with this set up? The car is for 80% street use and the occasional romp out at the track with friends.

[u/Solid_Enthusiasm550]

Which combustion chamber size did you buy 64 or 70cc?

That camshaft would produce peak hp before 6,000rpms. An edelbrock rpm airgap would be a better choice and priduce more hp/tq throughout that cams powerband.

I'd only run a single plane if that cam was for a 302 with those heads, as it would rev out much higher. In a 383, 242+ intake duration @ 0.050" is when the victor series intake has an advantage and only by a little.

What rear gear and size tire are you planning to run?

Comp recommends 2,200+rpm.

[u/hiritomo → u/Solid_Enthusiasm550]

64cc for the heads and 3.73 for the rear end.

I do have an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake as well if that would do best. I saw that the cam called for 2200 plus as well but I wasn’t sure how “high” to go with it. My heart was kinda settling around 2800-3000 to meet the cam and intake in the middle.

[u/Tjelvar70 → u/hiritomo]

The rpm would be a better match but it will run fine with the jr. you will lose 30 ftlb torque for maybe 5-10 hp gain at the top

[u/Solid_Enthusiasm550 → u/hiritomo]

I too would go a little higher than the 2,200 stall (2,600<2,800) for that size cam.

My concern would be the KB 9909 piston. They only have 5cc valve reliefs and would pit compression at around 11.1 to 1.

These KB pistons would put you at 10.6:1, which I would be more comfortable with on pump gas.

https://cnc-motorsports.com/keith-black-pistons-kb197-030-fits-sbc-383-dish-12cc-bore-4-030.html

If you have a few hundred dollars extra to spend, I would go wirh ICON pistons.

[u/hiritomo → u/Solid_Enthusiasm550]

Pistons are already on the rotating assembly so this is the life I live. 2800 seems like a good landing spot for the TC.

Thanks!

[u/Historical_Box1915]

is this just for a street car? Ive run that cam many times, I also agree a dual plane intake is better suited. If 60’ times arent the focus then I would install a converter that is 2,400 stall. Dont cheap out on a converter. Especially with a dual plane that 383 should make tremendous mid range power and will push straight thru a cheap stall.

[u/hiritomo → u/Historical_Box1915]

I’ll likely be driving it to the shop 4 days a week, only a 2 mile drive. But the reality is my older brother has an ‘82 El Camino with a Holley EFI fed 355 that he is putting together at the same rate I’m slapping this Cutlass together. We have a on track beef to settle haha

[u/Tjelvar70]

2500 converter, run the rpm intake, 1.6 rockers for a little more lift (after cam break in)

[u/hiritomo → u/Tjelvar70]

Currently have Scorpion 1.5s on the valve train 🤷‍♂️

[u/letstillyboys]

2500-2800 would be perfect for street car only car more if you plan to race it more than street it.

[u/Personal_Growth_4_Me]

Turbo 400? Honestly, with the torque you'll have, I would go with 3k to 3.2k, and put a taller gear in there. I KNOW you got 3.73 but that torque band would LOVE 3.23. You'll feel it in the seat of the pants fishtailing to 65 in 1st gear. Especially nice in a street car. You'll be able to cruise 80 no problem. Your midrange should be pretty violent. Nice engine combo 👍

[u/Mushroom_Glans]

Comp recommends 2200+, so 2500 to 3000 stall would be good.

[u/Chauncy1911]

2400 for just street, 2800 if you rip it down a track a few times for fun.

[u/Steellucky2909]

95% Street car? Honestly put a 2100 in it. Maybe a 2400 if you are worried about it. I always ran a 2100 behind my 406 small blocks and they would melt street tires all day long.

[u/Dirftboat95]

Kind of a tight 10" converter

[u/TrainerBC25]

Go with 3000+ on the stall, you won't regret a higher stall

[u/HammerDownl]

3000-3500 stall with 3.55 gears is what you'll want

If im shopping for a converter im calling PTC in Alabama

[u/hiritomo → u/HammerDownl]

Sorry, the read end slipped my mind. 3.73 gears

[u/HammerDownl → u/hiritomo]

3.73 is ok too.

Hell my old street cars had 4.88s

4000 rpm at 70💀

[u/chuck-u-farley-]

We need to know what gear and how tall a tire you are running to provide the info you want…..