Cam or Stall Converter?

[DamnYankee]

I'm ready for my next upgrade and am wondering what the benefits/hp increases are with each? They look to be about the same cost, so just need some advice from you experts...

[kwkenuf]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Moze &#064; Apr 17 2006, 10&#58;07 AM) [snapback]50322[/snapback]</div>

I&#39;m ready for my next upgrade and am wondering what the benefits/hp increases are with each? They look to be about the same cost, so just need some advice from you experts...
[/b]

The converter swap is not a horsepower increaser but what is does is get your engine into it&#39;s torque range quicker in addition to allowing a lumpier cam (more overlap) to idle at a higher speed without loading the motor against the trans.
Higher stall speed converters are helpful if you are a drag racer looking to quickly accelerate. Depending on your cam selection and truck use you may not need to change converters.
Note of caution here.... some folks tend to goo too far with both choices and are unhappy with the results. There are downsides to both mods if you don&#39;t get components matched to your application and intended use. Carefully select your cam and only then will you know if you need to change your converter.
Possible downsides to a higher a stall speed converter are; increased heat to the trans, perceived sluggishness around town when not romping on the throttle, and decreased fuel mileage. It&#39;s important to match the converter to your cam and your intended use (BIG difference between drag racing and rock crawling for example). With cams you can select from low rpm hi torque, hi rpm hi horsepower, and infinite variables in between. Unfortunately I cannot give you specific cam and convertor reccomendations but advise that you contact a manufacturer directly and be honest with them concerning your present mods and intended use. Hope this helps.

[KY_BOB]

Well put kwkenuf.


That said, you can run a stock cam with a stall converter but depending on the cam you chose you may not have very good drivabilty with a cam and no stall. So I vote for the converter first but when selecting it keep in mind what cam you will be using in the future.

[Tim Z]

I d go cam first but try and save up for both if you can, That would yield a big difference. I also love the sound of a cam &#33; more power upstairs too.

[motoxlifer]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tim Z &#064; Apr 17 2006, 02&#58;32 PM) [snapback]50335[/snapback]</div>

I d go cam first but try and save up for both if you can, That would yield a big difference. I also love the sound of a cam &#33; more power upstairs too.
[/b]

The way I look at it if your gonna go with either a cam or stall, then you probably shouldn&#39;t go with a very big cam anyway since you probably don&#39;t have alot of supporting mods. If this is the case you will be OK with a mild cam & no stall. Also stock camshafts are designed to make power off idle and if you go with a very big stall then you run the risk of taking the cam above its torque curve. twocents:

[Turborado]

My cam is stock, but the converter i just put in made a night and day difference in how the truck accelerates at any throttle level. It "feels" like you are always in the power band from idle on up.

[DamnYankee]

Thanks for everyones input - much appreciated.

Does a stall converter affect top end?

[Turborado]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Moze &#064; Apr 28 2006, 12&#58;53 PM) [snapback]51544[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for everyones input - much appreciated.

Does a stall converter affect top end?
[/b]

If you call reaching "top end" faster affecting it