[Rodney R]

I’ve been mulling over the archives trying to find a good thread on converters since continental closed and am hoping for some feedback from you guys.

I’m moving my car in the next week and am wanting to go with an off the shelf unit that will give me adequate performance (I know I can’t expect amazing performance out of an off the shelf unit and that’s okay). Current setup:
-400 .40 over
-Stump puller roller cam
-port matched #62 heads
-3.31 posi
-TH400

I contacted SD performance and they recommended a converter with a flash between 2600 and 3000 for the cam. Currently trying to choose between the Hughes GM25 and GM 30 or the TCI 240901. What do you guys think? Thanks I’m advance!

[RAIV55]

I've pretty much stuck with ATI converters after trying several different companies starting out. I can say they are quick on the build time, hit the performance window first time around and they are good quality pieces. Havent considered the others I tried as bottom fishing because they were cashy as ATI.
Another tidbit, ATI builds the machines many other companies use to make their converters.

[JLMounce]

I currently have a B&M holeshot 2000 behind my as cast KRE d 455. Power delivery would be a bit different than your setup but I think this converter would be decent. It’s got decent road manners and I really don’t have any complaints about it.

It’s a little on the tight side but for a cruiser that’s not terrible.

[jamaca85]

gm25 hughes unit would be perfect...

[Cliff R]

If you are looking at "shelf" converters the Hugh's are decent but they were never on par with the Continental units we sold. I even had vehicles brought here that used them and we got to put some time on them before swapping them out for custom built units. The BOP 25 is OK, the 30 a little "mushy" for my liking but a far cry better than a lot of the other "generic" units that are being sold that are targeted for that stall speed range. You do get what you pay for in this end of the hobby. It's not much fun spending the time and funds to build a really nice engine then end up with a converter than isn't effective at using the power......Cliff

[Rodney R]

Thank you all for the feedback. Leaning more towards the GM25, but interested in custom alternatives.

Cliff, what brand do you recommend for custom builds? I know you’ve mentioned it here before, but the search isn’t working very well for me right now and I can’t read a lot of the threads in the results.

[Cliff R]

We sell custom built converters, have now for over 20 years. Even after Continental went out of business I spent the time and funds to find a company that can build converters that make the grade behind these engines.

I didn't mention it because custom units take time to build and it sounded like you were looking for one in a few days.

I'd add here that I ran the Hugh's 25 thru all the paces, its not a bad unit, but even with that said not on par at any level with a custom unit. About 10 years ago now we were hired to build a TH350 and install a new converter in a 1970 something T/A, pretty sure it was a 1974. It had a "fresh" professionally built 400 in it with a custom ground HR cam, and ran very strong. We took the car out prior to the trans//converter swap and tested the Hugh's converter at every level. It did OK, like a stock converter with little more torque multiplication available and a little "looser" everyplace. The Continental custom 10" unit we replaced it with was better everyplace, even coupled tighter for normal driving and flashed over 1000rpm higher when hit with full power, with less slip on top end. The vehicle went from being just OK to an absolute ANIMAL!..........Cliff

[pastry_chef]

Originally Posted by Rodney R

trying to find a good thread on converters

Search for PTC.

[Rodney R]

From the time I posted my original reply to now, I’ve gone from around 1 week of lead time for a converter to around 1 month.

I’m now considering a custom build depending on lead time and cost. Would like to stay under $600 and under 1 month of lead time. Would this work with a custom sourced unit?

[Cliff R]

Ours have been taking around 2 weeks. Feel free to PM me or call the shop if you want to go over specifics.......Cliff

[Dragncar]

Call PTC, ask for Lane. Best converter decision I ever made.

[Mike Davis]

Call Lane a PTC or Lenny at Ultimate Converter.

[68lemans462]

Originally Posted by Cliff R

The Continental custom 10" unit we replaced it with was better everyplace, even coupled tighter for normal driving and flashed over 1000rpm higher when hit with full power, with less slip on top end. The vehicle went from being just OK to an absolute ANIMAL!..........Cliff

This was exactly my experience! There is absolutely no comparison between a cheap off the shelf converter and a custom unit. The 10" continental I got from Cliff years ago was one of the single best performance upgrades I have ever made to my car. They really make a huge difference. Forget the price tag and the wait you won't regret it.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[Rodney R]

I want to update the post here for anyone searching in the future.

Ended up calling Cliff and ordering a custom converter through him and couldn’t be happier! Last weekend, I drove the car from Phoenix to Colorado Springs and it performed beautifully. Had previously burned up 2 transmissions (got less than 1000 miles out of each) because of my gear combo and off the shelf converters.

Before the trip, I was running 2.56 gears and converters that constantly slipped at highway speeds, so the transmissions didn’t last long. After switching to 3.31 gears and a custom converter, my transmission fluid still looks brand new at the 1000 mile mark. Thanks everyone for your input!

[dataway]

While this topic is up top again ..... is there any reason I shouldn't use a stock original converter with a stock rebuild on a YS400 GTO with a 2.93 rear? Other than it's old and has about 100,000 miles on it?

Cliff, do you rebuild stock units? Ballpark price if you do?

[Cliff R]

I'll have to check but pretty sure they will rebuild stock converters.....Cliff

[Steve C.]

Nice comment to support Cliff's "new" converter source.....

"Took the car out this morning. Another excellent build from Paul Carter. Runs perfectly, idles nice, behaves like a stocker, and pulls like a train. I think his dyno is a little on the conservative side because I didn't expect the car to feel this strong considering I'm up at 5,000 feet. The converter from Cliff and the guys at TSP is perfect. Drives normal and when you get after it, the converter does what it's supposed to. Very nice piece."

Formulajones


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[GTO JONES]

I ordered mine through Cliff from TSP, I'll let you know how it acts as soon as I get it and put it in.

[andy kelleman]

Spend a little more for a custom converter from cliff you won’t be sorry

[Steve C.]

Or any of the well known. Lenny is one of the best....

http://www.ultimateconverter.com




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