Thread: How does a stall converter work

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How does a stall converter act under light load such as off idle in city traffic. I undrestand that above the stall speed the converter works normally, But specifically how does it act say at a stop then jamming down on the gas does the car sit still until the stall speed is reached then engaging like dropping the clutch pedal or does it still try to move? I am about to change transmissions and would like to install a 1800rpm stall converter in front of some 3.73 gears, but I dont want it if I'm going to be crusing around town at 1800 rpm's all the time like im in 1st gear .Do you have to hold the brake pedal down to rev up and do a burnout?

i seriously doubt you would ever notice an 1800 stall .. thats not much .. i have a 3500 stall in my mustang and no it doesnt wait till 3500 before it moves .. i had a 4500 stall it didnt wait either .. with my 3500 stall i can break stand to about 2300 before it really wants to move foward

Factory convertors usually stall around 1400 RPM. Rated stall is the RPM the convertor will let the engine "flash" to in a full throttle start.

IE, a 3000 stall convertor from idle to the floorboards will let the engine jump to 3000 RPM for a harder launch.

HOWEVER, not all engines effect a given convertor the same.

The more torque the engine makes the higher the stall point.

So, a 3000 convertor in a mild small block powered car might stall at 2700, and the same convertor in a "healthy" big block powered car might stall at 3100 plus.

For a mild street application shoot for about 2200 stall, you'll notice a BIG difference.

Ok guys so If i understand this a stall converter basically just allows me more rpm before it wants to go hard which would allow someone with a high lift long duration cam a chance to get the motor up in the power band before it wants launch so all i need to do is pick one that will lock 1:1 just below the rpm that i will be cruising at down the highway to prevent wasted fuel and that will allow me enough rpm to get the tires to turn over....not that I would ever do something that irresponsible !!!!