Street Torque Converters

How Do You Choose the Right Stall Converter?

Choose a stall speed about 400-500 rpm above the point where your camshaft's power band starts. If your cam makes power between 2,000 and 6,000 rpm, a stall converter around 2,400-2,500 rpm is your starting point. That rule comes from our guide on how to choose a torque converter.

Vehicle weight and engine size shift the target. A heavier car or a big-block engine usually needs a higher stall than a lighter small-block car with the same cam. Stall isn't preset at the factory, because it changes with load from engine torque and vehicle weight.

If you pick a stall that's too low, you'll feel a bog or hesitation when you leave a stop. Going too high doesn't add any benefit on the street. Once you've set your target, shop automatic transmission parts to complete the package.

What Does Stall Speed Mean for Street Torque Converters?

Torque converter stall speed is the engine rpm where the converter starts transferring enough torque to move the car. It's a range, not a fixed number, because actual stall depends on load from your engine's torque and your vehicle's weight. That's why street torque converters list ranges such as 2,200-2,800 rpm or 2,800-3,200 rpm.

Factory converters stall low. A stock TH350 converter stalls around 1,800-2,200 rpm, and a stock TH400 converter sits around 1,500-2,000 rpm. A high-stall torque converter raises that number to suit a modified engine with a higher power band.

The same converter can stall at different speeds in different cars. A big-block engine in a heavy car will push stall higher than a small-block engine in a light one. For more converter and drivetrain guidance, browse our transmission and drivetrain tech articles.

Lock-Up vs Non-Lock-Up Torque Converters

Match the converter type to your transmission. Overdrive units such as the 4L60E, 700R4 and AOD use a lock-up torque converter, while the TH350 and Powerglide use non-lock-up designs. A lock-up converter has an internal clutch that ties the engine and transmission together once engaged. A non-lock-up converter doesn't have that clutch.

ACC Performance offers both styles. Its Nightstalker 4L60E/4L65E converter is a 12 in. lock-up unit with a 2,800-3,200 rpm stall. The Ford AOD Street Bandit is a 10 in. lock-up converter with a 3,200-3,600 rpm stall.

On the non-lock-up side, the Street Bandit for GM TH-350 and Powerglide is a 9.600 in. converter with a 2,800-3,200 rpm stall. Check the lock-up type on each listing before you order. Then compare matching transmission and drivetrain parts to build a complete package for your engine and transmission.

Torque Converters by Transmission: 700R4, TH350, 4L60E and More

Start with your transmission model, because each converter is built for specific transmissions and bolt patterns. Confirmed options in this category include these converters:

• 700R4 torque converter options include the JW Performance Street Lethal 12 in. and a JEGS 12 in. lock-up with 2,200-2,800 rpm stall.
• TH350 torque converter options include the TCI Saturday Night Special for 1965-81 TH350/TH375 and an ACC Performance Nightstalker with 2,200-2,800 rpm stall.
• TH350/TH400 options include the TCI 10 in. Super Streetfighter, TCI 10 in. Circle Track FastLap and JEGS TH350/TH400 converters in four stall ranges.
• 4L60E torque converter options include the TCI Saturday Night Special for 1993-97 GM 4L60E and the ACC Performance Nightstalker 4L60E/4L65E.
• 4L80E/4L85E and 4L60/65/70E options include Chevrolet Performance SuperMatic remanufactured converters.
• Ford options include a JEGS XHD Street/Strip C6 converter, an ACC Performance C-4 converter and the JW Performance Mileage 12 in.

JEGS TH350/TH400 converters are rated for small-block engines up to 500 hp without nitrous or boost.

Converter Brands and Install Hardware

You'll need the right bolts and a compatible flexplate to finish a converter install. Along with the brands above, this category carries FTI Transmissions & Converters. If you'd like to know where converters are built, read our guide to Made in USA torque converter manufacturers.

Hardware is listed alongside the converters in this category. You'll find torque converter bolt kits and ACC Performance converter-to-flexplate bolts for Ford applications. ACC Performance also offers a pilot extension for LS swaps that use an early GM transmission.

The flexplate has to match both your engine and your converter's bolt pattern. Browse automatic transmission flexplates once you've picked your converter. For filters, rebuild parts and other internals, shop automatic transmission components so the rest of your transmission is ready for the new converter.