Stall Converter Question

[cudabob496]

I put a 3500 stall converter in my Cuda 10 years ago. Over time, due to wear and tear, does the stall rpm go higher or lower, and what are signs that you need a new converter?

[cageman]

Isnt there a moparaction article that covers that?

[bbaspense]

I ran my 3000 rpm SMR converter for 12 years.. never changed one bit..

[pishta]

The satator vanes never change pitch. I think they would be pretty consistant over time.

[cudabob496]

Originally Posted by pishta

The satator vanes never change pitch. I think they would be pretty consistant over time.

But I noticed some manufacturers only warranty the converters for a few years, so I was wondering what wears out on them? Maybe the casings expand over time due to pressure?

[DartGT66]

When a converter starts "going away", you first see it at the trap speed, it starts coming down without any other evident reason. There are wearing and even breaking parts inside.

[pishta]

Sprag failure and ballooning, probably the only factors. Drag racers see this stuff more than anyone.

[cudabob496]

Thanks, I suppose I don't have much to be concerned about if just a little street action.

[John Kunkel]

Stall change with time usually involves the stator sprag, if the sprag starts to seize the stall speed will rise but if it starts to slip the stall speed will decrease.

[John Van]

My 7 year old 9 1/2" 3800 stall last year the stall speed started to drop by quite a bit. Time for a rebuild.

[cudabob496]

Originally Posted by John Van

My 7 year old 9 1/2" 3800 stall last year the stall speed started to drop by quite a bit. Time for a rebuild.

Did you notice by trap speed, or just feel it, or how did you know it had dropped?

[John Van]

Mostly by the feel,and my ET's slowed down a bit while trap speed pretty much stayed the same. On the street,at redlights when taking off,the motor would rev a bit then go,now it just goes almost like a stock convertor.