TH 400 Transmission Stock Stall/Lockup Speed
 

Does anybody know what the torque converter stall/lockup speed was on a stock TH 400 transmission? I've been told varying stall stall speeds from 1200-1800 rpm . My car came with factory AC so I believe the rear end ratio in my car is 3.23. I've also heard the peak torque rpm on a Pontiac 400 is around 2300 rpm so the best torque converter for this would be one that is around 2000-2400 rpm? Of course it may not do much good getting an aftermarket 2000-2400 rpm stall speed torque converter unless you have a limited slip or positraction rear end.

Carousel72TRed

Pontiac engines produce prodigious torque low in the rev range, but peak torque for GTO 400 (350 HP in 1969) is approximately 3000 rpm.

From Revmaxconverters.com: "In general, the desired stall speed should be 500-700 RPM below the engine RPM at peak torque. This ensures a margin for application for the torque converter to take off. You don’t want to have to floor your gas pedal and wait a few seconds for your vehicle to move. "

Higher stall speeds mean higher heat, faster trans fluid breakdown, likely higher engine operating temps and drive line stress. Just keep your wits about you with your decision.

OEM Turbo 400 Torque Converter Stall Speed
 

Thank You 68gtoMN,

If I decide in the future to change the torque converter in my 69 GTO it seems a torque converter with a stall speed of 2000-2400 rpm would be the right choice. I am still wondering what the stall speed is for my OEM torque converter. I do not see it listed in specifications in my service manual. I am assuming it is 1200-1800 rpm. Knowing this would help me decide whether to get a new torque converter in the future or not.

Carousel72TRed

Converter stall and Lock up are two different things and TH400's do not have "Lock up".

Factory stall for a Turbo 400 is about 1500 RPM

Turbo 400 Factory Stall Speed
 

Thank You Steve P.,
I believe that should I decide to change the torque converter in my 69 GTO which has a stock 3.23 10 bolt rear end it will be one that has a 2000-2200 rpm stall speed which is 800-1000 rpm below peak torque at 3000 rpm (Thank you 68gtoMN for that info). One thing I've learned is to match the car's capabilities with the right match of performance parts and to not overdo it. I had a friend back in high school who had a 72 Dodge Charger with a 318 and he put a Holley 850 double pumper on it and I had a 69 Mustang with a 302 2 Barrel and he couldn't touch me.

Carousel72TRed::thanx: