I need to know if I can use the torque converter I have coming in with my new transmission.

I thought I had this whole K-factor formula figured out with GM torque converters, but I then I realized I was using max engine torque instead of torque at the stall speed, which is what I was trying to figure out in the first place.

In any case, the 4T65E transmission I'm bolting to my L67 originally was bolted to a 3100.

Based on that, its K-factor stall was K-180. The L36 has a K-factor of 163, and the L67 has a K-factor of 155.

Obviously I don't want to have a very high stall speed becuase then I'll jump into a very high power band very quickly, and roast my tires every time I try to launch. With headers, a 3.4 pulley, 3" exhaust, CAI, and a tune, I think I'll be around 320 engine torque.

Can I use the torque converter that was bolted to the 3100, or should I find myself an L36/L67 torque converter instead?

List what is on the tag, I'll look it up when I get home. There should be 4 letters, that'* what I want. But the stall should be around 1650 or so.

I don't have any information on the tag for anything. Bob in Ohio is working on my car, and I'm in Chicago.

Anything you can look up to give me a hand would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure an L36 torque converter would be just fine, but an LD8/L82 torque converter might be a bit too high of a stall speed. The L67 after all seems to make a lot of power at lower RPMs. Any personal recommendations you might have would also be appreciated.

Stock L67 is 1630. I have a 3000 in my car, it'* a bit high. Higher stall will help you not break your tires loose by slipping a bit before you get moving. 2500 stall seems to be a good stall speed.

What car was it in.. year, model and engine. That should let us look it up when the sticker is missing.

2003 Buick Century 3100

I'm thinking that if 2500 is a good recommended stall speed and the car comes with a 1630, then whatever came bolted to that 3100 engine in the Century should be perfectly fine.

You can't necessarily take what the book says about 1650 to heart. When you get in and power brake one, it won't stall until about 3K, yet we swap to 3K converters when we cam etc.

I took a quick look last night and I think you'll be fine.

Thanks. I actually figured out as well that you can cross reference older models which weren't rated in their K-factor system, and the 3100 torque converter has a rated stall of 2100.

So between 1630 and 2100 isn't that huge of a difference. 370rpm shouldn't matter much.

Is it true that having a higher stall torque converter will also be easier on your transmission because it eases into the powerband a bit more?