stock converter stall speed

[micahadams]

Anyone know what the stock stall speed is for a 454/400 combo? Mine seems high for what I think stock should be

[Captkaos]

1500-1800

[micahadams]

Thats what I though it should be at. I am getting 2100 right now. I am thinking maybe someone put a converter for a small block.

[Irish_Alley]

wouldn't that make it around 800 if its for a small block, maybe its a stall someone put in

[VileZambonie]

How did you check your stall speed? Why do you think yours is high?

[micahadams]

I just pressed the brakes so they didnt spin the tires and floored it. I think its too high because the full throttle shift points are 4k and with a truck that is meant to haul/tow... Plus with a non locking converter that is building a lot of heat for the trans. 

[Donut]

Do you usually haul/tow at full throttle?

[screamin86]

Your shift points sound about right to me! My 86 k10 305/350 combo shifted at 5100 wot

[VileZambonie]

Stall speed doesn't control your shift points. If you are towing you should have an auxiliary cooler. If you want to change your shift points get an adjustable vacuum modulator.

[micahadams]

Would a adjustable vac modulator help shifting at wot? Vac is at 0 right?
My point is the motor is done making power at 4k, and will 4.11 gears and a high stall it makes a very limited range of speed. At 65mpg im turning 3k rpm. I just think that if it had a stall speed of 1500-1800 it would make a lot more use of the BBC power band 

[VileZambonie]

No, vacuum is not at zero at wot. When the throttle is quickly opened it will drop to zero but if it stays there you might want to check for a plugged exhaust. If your engine is done making power at 4k it's not your torque converter. I'd check for restricted exhaust, correct ignition timing and correct cam timing. Something's not right.

[Donut]

micahadams, what are you trying to accomplish?  Lower the cruise rpm? Fire-breathing drag truck?  long distance tow-monster?

One of your earlier posts you had asked about shift points, consensus seemed to be that everything was about right for your trans.  How are your part throttle shifts? (hence the question "Do you usually haul/tow at full throttle?")

If you tell us what your looking to do, these fine folks can help.

[micahadams]

My goal is trying to make this truck more driveable. Imagine driving a truck with 5.13 gears. 1st gear is good for 25 mpg, 2nd for about 50mph. Just seems like a low mph. Im not looking for a hotrod, just soemthing with a better range of speed. 70mph tops sucks.

Vacumm at wot is 0. Unless you had a extremly small induction system. When I say zero, I mean less then 1 inch.

Part throttle shift are fine, just really short. I can be in 3rd at 15mph with light throttle.

A motor/trans combo with a high stall is fine if your motor has a high rpm potential. A buddy of mine has a nova with a 4000 rpm stall and its a blast because his powerband is high. Low powerband, highstall and high gearing makes it a turd.

[zieg85]

5.13... wow, no wonder.  I think you would be extremely happy with a 3.73.  I remember my first truck had a 4.56 rear in it and at 55 mph the tach showed 3500 rpms.  Yours has to be screaming at 70

[Donut]

Ditto on the 5.13's.  How tall of a tire are you running?
4.11s and a 30" tall tire (245/75-16) in my truck put me 3000rpm@65mph.  I don't have the big block torque, or do much highway driving so for me it's working.

If I were in you shoes, I'd be looking to get the final drive lower.  By using an OD tranny, different rearend gear, or taller tire.
From what I understand, a stall converter just allows the engine to operate in it's optimum rpm range.