to...Lower Stall Speed or Not?

[MojaveJoe]

I need some quick advice on whether to have my transmission re-builder (Goerend) install a lower stall speed torque converter or not?



While it will move shifting closer to the power band of 1800-2200 rpm, my builder says it may also throw a code in my year truck, if the transmission shifts too early. It may also cause a Check Engine light.



I told him tonight to go ahead with it, but now Im wondering if I should get the normal stock torque converter setup. And just be satisfied with the triple discs, newer valve body etc etc. . I certainly don't want to have to deal with engine lights all the time.



Any and all advice and experiences welcome.



Max trailer towing weight 14K... at 85mph :-laf

 

[MChrist]

Dave Goerend's shop built the trans in my '06, and I chose the lower stall torque converter. I absolutely love it! He also told me that some people get the check engine light randomly, and I have gotten it two or three times in the past two years. I simply plug in my Smarty and clear it.
When I pull away from a stop, and I'm just driving gently, the engine revs to around1200 or so and I pull away. If I'm in a mellow mood, I can drive all day under 1500! What you will have to get used to, though, is that when you put the truck in drive, it will start moving with no throttle. If I'm on level ground, or at a campsite, or parking lot, my truck will actually crawl up to 10, shift to 2nd, and keep gaining speed!
The only condition that I think a low stall torque converter wouldn't be helpful, is if you had a large turbo, or big twins. Those seem to need higher stall speeds to light the turbo(s). Since my twins utilize the stock quick spooling turbo, I don't have this problem. I highly recommend the low stall TC.
Also, when your new trans shifts, you WILL feel it!! Not in a bad, banging sort of way, but it won't slush around, or just stay at 3000 the whole time, waiting for the truck to catch up, like mine would.
You will love the trans. If I had to buy another 3rd gen with an automatic, I would take it to Dave's first, even if the trans seemed ok, and get the same trans combo I have now.

 

[MojaveJoe]

Thanks MChrist,
I feel more confident knowing your results. My engine is a bone stock 305/550.
Do you think towing 14K will throw codes more often? What's the easiest way to clear the codes/check engine light, if this happens?

 

[WMoroni]

My 07 has spells where it will set the light everyday for a few days then it might not do it again for months. When mine sets the light, it always does it under light throttle no load right when the tq converter locks up. It throws the light because there isn't a big enough drop in rpms and the computer thinks something is wrong with the lockup clutch. I have a smarty and use it to clear the code when it sets. I love my transmission and am very happy with Dave's service, you won't regret it.

 

[MChrist]

Wow, WMoroni, I could just repeat what you said. It never happened while towing, but at light throttle, 50 mph, when TC locks up. So, ditto...

 

[juicedcummins]

YES low stall is the ticket.

I had a Sun-coast that was 1700rpm stall in my 99 and loved every minute of it. Buddy had a 1500rpm stall in a 98 mechanical and it was a little on the tight side.

 

[JohnBoy5]

while i have a different year model truck i love my 1700 stall. i have a little bit bigger of a turbo but its not too bad. i am also upgrading to twins and i expect it to be just as good if not better.



you will be amazed at how nice a 1700 feels in these trucks!!!