Topic: ZZ4 and TH 350
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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I have found a ZZ4 that I might buy, I will have the TH 350 rebuilt with shift kit. I am getting so many different opinions on the torque converter my head hurts. I trust you guys more the the trans shops. Do I need more than a stock converter as in a higher stall? Thanks.
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
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A lot is gonna depend on you rear axle ratio, and...how you plan on using the car.
For most driving, I'd stay in the 1800-2000rpm stall range. Even at that, a 2000rpm stall might be a bit much for daily, or even semi-daily driving. The higher the stall speed, the more fuel you're gonna be using, too, so that's another thing to consider. Also, any increase in stall speed will produce more heat in the converter, so an auxiliary trans cooler is highly recommended.
If you plan on keeping your foot in it all the time, go a little higher, to maybe 25-2800 stall. That's the absolute max for a street car, and it's gonna feel like it's slippin it's butt off every time you take off.
I personally don't like, or recommend high-stall converters for street driven, non-race vehicles.
An 1800 stall converter would be ideal, 99% of the time. GM did offer a 2500rpm stall converter for the hi-po cars in the early years('68-'75 or so), and they still have those listed in the Dayco catalogs.
Look for something around 1800-2000, and you should be fine.
Stock stall should be around 12-1500rpm, depending on available torque from the engine.
For most driving, I'd stay in the 1800-2000rpm stall range. Even at that, a 2000rpm stall might be a bit much for daily, or even semi-daily driving. The higher the stall speed, the more fuel you're gonna be using, too, so that's another thing to consider. Also, any increase in stall speed will produce more heat in the converter, so an auxiliary trans cooler is highly recommended.
If you plan on keeping your foot in it all the time, go a little higher, to maybe 25-2800 stall. That's the absolute max for a street car, and it's gonna feel like it's slippin it's butt off every time you take off.
I personally don't like, or recommend high-stall converters for street driven, non-race vehicles.
An 1800 stall converter would be ideal, 99% of the time. GM did offer a 2500rpm stall converter for the hi-po cars in the early years('68-'75 or so), and they still have those listed in the Dayco catalogs.
Look for something around 1800-2000, and you should be fine.

Stock stall should be around 12-1500rpm, depending on available torque from the engine.

Joel Adams
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Thanks Joel, I have 308 gears, I drive pretty hard but no drag strip time,after this anemic l-48 I would like to be able break the tires loose on occasion
Will the 1800 stall work?

3.08's (I don't think IMO) isn't going to give you much of a tire burning result your looking for. I have them in mine, and even side stepping the clutch at 4000 rpm's I only get a couple feet of rubber. They are better than the 2.72's that were in there.
Corvette IRS's have a lot of give in them, resulting in the rear of the car to squat down and hook up hard to the pavement upon hard acceleration with minimal wheel spin. 3.55's and above might give to the results your looking for.
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The 1800 stall would be just about right, but...as Darryl says, the 3.08s ain't gonna help much. My '74 has 3.36s, but it is a 4 speed car, and I can light 'em up any time I want. 3.55s would be ideal if you didn't do a lot of long hauls on the hiway. With fuel costs the way they are now...
On the flip side, my '85 has 3.07 gears, and it'll smoke 'em all day long! More torque = more smoke!

On the flip side, my '85 has 3.07 gears, and it'll smoke 'em all day long! More torque = more smoke!

Joel Adams
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If You don't allready have the Turbo 350 Trans You might consider a 700R4 or one of its siblings. You get a lower First Gear wich is like a taller Rear Gear and an Overdrive wich is like a Lower Gear. On a Drag strip the Turbo 350 is beter cause the 1-2nd Shift is closer and the Engine won't fall off the Cam as easy. On the Street the 700R4 is the way to Go. Every 82 had em and every C4 had em for a Reason, Performance and Economy (Ok Emissions Too). Richard...
If you go with the overdrive and the 3.55:1 gear in the rear, the launch will be a lot stronger, and you will improve mileage on the highway with lower engine rpm at the same time.
I agree with the higher rearend gears. I had 3.08`s and it was a dog off the line. It`s not that expensive to changed them. If your worried about gas mileage youmay want to use the 3.36 gears. I didn`t mind the 3.55 on the highway but you do use more fuel. good luck
I've got the ZZ4 and the 700R4...love it..20 mpg and torque that cannot be beat.
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in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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