What size stall should I use?

[Nate Catlett]

I want to put a big stall in my 98 silverado with a 350. It is just my weekend toy and I want to make it a track truck. I was told that a 3000 is a good all around size but looking around at some forums and junk a lot of people are saying that a 4000 is just as good on the road, but has way more impact on the track. If I put a 4000 in it am I going to only be able to run her at the track or can it still be a drive around town toy?

[94Stroker]

The purpose of higher than stock stall converter is to match your engine powers hp/tq curve so that you
are in the meat of your power band.
IF your engine is stock, then I would only go 200-400 rpm over stock.. Which would put you at 2000 or so stall.
Remember that anytime you increase stall , you increase the fluid temp A LOT. You will want to install an auxiliary trans cooler
to go along with the stock system in the radiator.
IF you have lots of engine mods and your power curve is adjusted a lot higher, then you would gain by going to
a higher stall like 2500-3000.
When you are at light throttle cruise at speed and your converter is locked up, then the heat produced will be like stock.
But any other time, you are giving it more "slip" so lots of heat is produced.
Heavy truck, stock power band you won't want all that much extra slip and rpm when launching

[94Stroker]

And just for fyi, I run an 1800 stall in my 12 sec truck

[Nate Catlett]

alright well right now my motor is basically stock just a few bolt-ons, but I am saving up to build a 383. so should I just wait to buy an aftermarket converter after I get my new engine in? and thanks for the info. I am definitely not a genius when it comes to all this stuff so any info is good info really.

[SUBURBIAN]

Yes, wait until you have a built engine that requires more stall rpm. There is no point now, at all. When it is time, only give it as much stall as it needs, run an external trans cooler, and don't buy the cheapest thing you can get your hands on.