Thread: add lock-up converter?

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I have a '72 El Camino with a ZZ3 (340 hp / 350) crate motor and an ART CARR 2004R overdrive trans. The trans is equipped with a 2600 rpm stall converter with no lock-up. The 12 bolt posi has 3.73 gears.
I would like to change to a less aggressive stall converter WITH lock-up to try to get better than the 12 mpg I now get.
Will a lock-up converter handle the 340 hp motor? What stall speed converter should I use?
Thanks for your comments.

what size tires? How tall?

The tires are 235/60 15s so that would make them 28" in diameter.

Sure, you can get a lock-up converter that will handle your horsepower, but why do you have a 2600rpm stall converter with that engine? For the street you want your stall speed to be about 500 to 750rpm below the point of peak torque (old B&M guideline), and if you have a relatively flat torque curve then maybe 500rpm below the point where it reaches that flat spot. I'd say something more like 1800 to 2000 would be right for you, but you know your engine.
You're right about your converter tearing down your mileage. Your 2004R has a 0.67 final drive, so at 70mph on the highway you're going to be right at 2100rpm, which is 500rpm below your stall speed so the converter is going to be slipping big time. If I were you I'd call someone like Monster Transmission and use their expertise to pick the right converter for your application - Monster Transmission, Monster Trans, Monster Transmissions, Monster Transmission and Performance, Eat My Shift, Monster Transmission Review, Monster Transmission Reviews, MonsterTrans.com

For our 3rd gen Camaro I had to get a " geometry corrector " to keep the TV cable in correct geometry movement-- correct geometry position of TV cable in relation to throttle movement.
Bowtie overdrive has great info at
tvmadeez.com
Different correctors for different carbs. Give it a good reading. They explain why TV cables need correct geometry.Position
Hope this helps in some way : )

T-top, your post had me scratching my head, but that write-up at (ThrottleValve Made Easy) is GREAT! Here's a direct link for anyone who's wondered about the importance of proper setup on the TV cable/linkage on one of these newer OD trannies - Bowtie Overdrives | TV Made EZ

I want to thank everone for your replys.
The 2600 stall converter was in the truck when I bought it 1-1/2 years ago. As far as knowing my engine.....I have been able to find very little on the ZZ3 crate motor. It was superceeded by the ZZ4 in the late 90's. All I know is that it has 10:1 center bolt aluminum heads, roller cam, roller rockers, and 340 hp.
I only get to work on it in the summer and I have been trying to fix all the "issues" that came with it. It is in storage for the winter right now.
I have already been through the TV cable bracket change when I replaced the leaking Holley for an Edelbrock AVS that I had. The trans is shifting fine but you are right about the converter slipage.
I want to drive it more but the $5 hi-test gas kept close to home.
I'll check out the Monster trans guy you suggested.
Thanks to all

Hey this is great! Monster trans is located in Brooksville Florida - about 50 miles from where I am spending the winter.

Originally Posted by rspears

T-top, your post had me scratching my head, but that write-up at (ThrottleValve Made Easy) is GREAT! Here's a direct link for anyone who's wondered about the importance of proper setup on the TV cable/linkage on one of these newer OD trannies - Bowtie Overdrives | TV Made EZ

Sorry about that!! I don't know how to link from my cell phone!
Thanks for posting the link!!