Torque converter replacement with more HP?

[mojojo]

Hello,

Trying to finalize my shopping list to rebuild my 318 Poly with 727A auto transmission (1966). I think I gave some details on what I am getting in a posting on headers (that's an other story... ) but here is the list and my magic number would be around 300HP. I just want to get a little quicker to the icecream stand ...

- Engine rebuild (pistons are still a big question..)
- Weiand intake 7503 (like I had choice ...!)
- Edelbroke 600 CFM carb
- Cam 266deg .509 (from camcraft)
- Mopar electronic ignition
- Already have dual exhaust, looking at headers

Here is the question: Do I need to replace the torque converter with one that has higher stall or not necessary?

Any advise before I drop the for parts?

I just posted some pictures of the truck in the picture gallery if anybody is interested.

Tanks for the info.

[sandiapete]

Mojojo,
You want to match the intake, cam, compression, and diff. ratio. Cam specs sound like 3,200-6,700. You will need at a minimal 3,000 stall converter. Do you have 3.55 or better gears?, The cam I have in my 340 is a Solid Comp Cam 288/288 Duration 550/550 Lift with a .10 centerline, Roller Lifters, and 1.5 Roller rockers. I am also running a Mopar Performance Single Plane intake, 10.1 pistons, Manley H beam connecting rods and Stage V Cast Heads. I have an A Body 83/4 with a 3.91 Ring and Pinion gear set. You have to match the RPM band and not just pick parts. It sounds like you will have a BAD @#% truck when your done .

[cowboy]

MOJO YES WITH YOUR 509 CAM YOU WILL NEED TO UP GRADE YOUR TQ CONVERTER some where around the 3k mark should do , & like Sandia pete asked what rear gears are you running?

[JJ]

Those are some odd specs for a cam but I really don't know that much about makes a poly run so it might be OK. With only 266 duration you'll do fine with 22-2500 stall. Mopar performance makes a good convertor for about 200.00 from Mancini just make sure it will fit the transmission as the earlier trannys had some spline differences.

[mojojo]

Thanks for the info. Since the parts selection is somewhat limited for my Poly and if I understand right, the main parameters I can play with are the cam and the compression ratio. I guess I could get more technical and start changing the crank, valves, etc. but that's too complicated for my limited knowledge and budget. I am going to get more info from Bill at Mopar Mecca on what is available for compression ratio (I think my local part source has 7.1 iron cast pistons and that's it).

The plate on my truck says RR axe 3.55 - RA 36 (let's assume that's correct).

Tommorow I will get the exact specs for the cam just to make sure I am not talking out of my with those numbers. Thanks again guys. Your point of view really helps me making up my mind and also double-checking the info I am getting here and there. Working with the Poly makes it little more challenging for the rookie that I am but the result should be that more satisfaying.

Joel