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Old 01-07-2022, 11:48 AM
michaelfind michaelfind is offline
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Default switch pitch torque converters

I was not sure where to post this because it is old technology and I think mostly a Buick thing. But, I know many people have run TH400 switch pitch transmissions in their Pontiacs over the years.

I am looking for a source of switch pitch torque converters. Is anyone still making or modifying these?

Thanks for your time.

  #2  
Old 01-07-2022, 11:57 AM
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It was a popular upgrade on vintage GMC Motorhomes.

https://www.google.com/search?q=GMC+...obile&ie=UTF-8

https://www.gminsidenews.com/threads...idered.218545/

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Old 01-07-2022, 12:37 PM
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PAE in El Paso, Texas used to be the go-to place. Not sure if they are still around or not.

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Old 01-07-2022, 01:40 PM
sdbob sdbob is offline
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I have a brand new Kenne Bell converter still in box,and rebuilt trans.planed it for a 421 car. Just saying. I dont think I want to sell it.

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Old 01-07-2022, 01:56 PM
michaelfind michaelfind is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee View Post
PAE in El Paso, Texas used to be the go-to place. Not sure if they are still around or not.
Sadly, they are not. I grew up learning about muscle cars in that area. I wish they were still around.

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Old 01-07-2022, 01:56 PM
michaelfind michaelfind is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sdbob View Post
I have a brand new Kenne Bell converter still in box,and rebuilt trans.planed it for a 421 car. Just saying. I dont think I want to sell it.
If you get a notion to sell it, please let me know.

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Old 01-07-2022, 02:11 PM
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Ok.

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Old 01-07-2022, 03:13 PM
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https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...d.php?t=653328

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Old 01-07-2022, 04:01 PM
michaelfind michaelfind is offline
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Thank you for the link. It looks like Jakes is gone too.

  #10  
Old 01-07-2022, 05:01 PM
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The convertor isn't all you need, you also need the SP front pump for the conversion.

Quote:
Quote from a person who has done the conversion;

I've done the switch pitch conversion to a TH400. It is not difficult. Kenne-Bell sold a kit years ago. The front pump and converter are the only changes and they bolt in place. The. Valve body does NOT change. The only other change is that you need to press an orifice plug into the oil feed passage to the pump. The electrical feed through in the trans case must be changed to one with two terminals. That's it.

Low stall is about 1800 RPM. High stall is about 2800 RPM.
The truth is you could do the same thing with a higher stall convertor in a 4 speed OD transmission. Two ways of arriving at the same end result.

DAACO used to have reman SP convertors available, but without the accompanying front pump you can't do the conversion. You need the 2 terminal pass through connector for the extra electrical circuit too.

Buick, olds, and some cadillacs had the SP transmission from 65-67 so there weren't that many made, like looking for hens teeth.

I actually had one (67 Le Sabre transmission) that I swapped into my 69 GTO, but I never bothered to hook up the circuit for the convertor activation. It went with the car when I sold it.

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  #11  
Old 01-07-2022, 05:40 PM
michaelfind michaelfind is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirrotica View Post
The convertor isn't all you need, you also need the SP front pump for the conversion.



The truth is you could do the same thing with a higher stall convertor in a 4 speed OD transmission. Two ways of arriving at the same end result.

DAACO used to have reman SP convertors available, but without the accompanying front pump you can't do the conversion. You need the 2 terminal pass through connector for the extra electrical circuit too.

Buick, olds, and some cadillacs had the SP transmission from 65-67 so there weren't that many made, like looking for hens teeth.

I actually had one (67 Le Sabre transmission) that I swapped into my 69 GTO, but I never bothered to hook up the circuit for the convertor activation. It went with the car when I sold it.
Yes, thank you. You are correct. I already have two switch pitch TH400s and two appropriate converters. I like them very much, maybe because that's what we had when I was younger. I'm looking for a spare, or even better, one of the modified converters where there was supposed to be an even wider difference between low stall and high stall. It's really great technology, but I guess was not cost effective for GM to continue for long.

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Old 01-07-2022, 11:00 PM
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Back in the mid '80s a couple of my Buick friends ran the SP Turbo 400s in their GS Stage 1 street racers...
I haven't heard anyone talk about them in years.

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  #13  
Old 01-07-2022, 11:56 PM
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My Switch-Pitch Th400 has run low 12s awhile with Street use. I will go through it in March while building a Big Car Case. The converter is a 12" from Kenne-Bell for Street/Strip and the fluid is a nice red. PM if junkin for it. I have no plans to use it for awhile. HIS

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Old 01-08-2022, 04:11 AM
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Charlie Brengun Charlie Brengun is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Half-Inch Stud View Post
My Switch-Pitch Th400 has run low 12s awhile with Street use. I will go through it in March while building a Big Car Case. The converter is a 12" from Kenne-Bell for Street/Strip and the fluid is a nice red. PM if junkin for it. I have no plans to use it for awhile. HIS
I'd be interrested in the converter and the switch pitch parts if you're willing to sell them seperately?

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Old 01-08-2022, 10:57 AM
michaelfind michaelfind is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Half-Inch Stud View Post
My Switch-Pitch Th400 has run low 12s awhile with Street use. I will go through it in March while building a Big Car Case. The converter is a 12" from Kenne-Bell for Street/Strip and the fluid is a nice red. PM if junkin for it. I have no plans to use it for awhile. HIS
PM sent

  #16  
Old 01-08-2022, 10:59 AM
michaelfind michaelfind is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by keith k View Post
Back in the mid '80s a couple of my Buick friends ran the SP Turbo 400s in their GS Stage 1 street racers...
I haven't heard anyone talk about them in years.
Yep, Buick racers in the 1980s is who introduced me to the SP TH400 as well. It's a fun concept to make use of. Too bad it was such a limited production time.

  #17  
Old 01-08-2022, 11:28 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by michaelfind View Post
I was not sure where to post this because it is old technology and I think mostly a Buick thing. But, I know many people have run TH400 switch pitch transmissions in their Pontiacs over the years.

I am looking for a source of switch pitch torque converters. Is anyone still making or modifying these?

Thanks for your time.
Contact Jim Weise at Tri-Shield Performance 320 629-8999

  #18  
Old 01-08-2022, 11:57 AM
michaelfind michaelfind is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 433lemans View Post
Contact Jim Weise at Tri-Shield Performance 320 629-8999
Oh yes, I forgot about Tri Shield.

Thank you!

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Old 01-08-2022, 10:50 PM
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PM sent.

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  #20  
Old 01-09-2022, 04:38 PM
michaelfind michaelfind is offline
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Quote:
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PM sent.
Thank you. That may be what I'm looking for.

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