Replacing torque converter - with what?

[intheburbs]

Asking the question here, even though it's a pickup, not an SUV. But it's the same powertrain...

Rear main seal needs to be replaced in my 2009 Denali. It has 150k miles, and we plan to keep it for quite a while longer. Since we're dropping the transmission, I figure it's probably a good time to proactively replace the TC. I can get a Delco reman from Rock Auto for $344 after the core charge. Any reason not to do that?

Totally stock - I've never done any extra work on it, not even a tune. Frankly, I don't trust myself with any more power/capability.

 

[Geotrash]

Asking the question here, even though it's a pickup, not an SUV. But it's the same powertrain...

Rear main seal needs to be replaced in my 2009 Denali. It has 150k miles, and we plan to keep it for quite a while longer. Since we're dropping the transmission, I figure it's probably a good time to proactively replace the TC. I can get a Delco reman from Rock Auto for $344 after the core charge. Any reason not to do that?

Totally stock - I've never done any extra work on it, not even a tune. Frankly, I don't trust myself with any more power/capability.

Yes. You want one with a billet cover because it solves a problem with the original that contributes to early failure. I have a CVC BU60FHD and I’m happy with it. @NickTransmissions may have another recommendation.

 

[NickTransmissions]

Asking the question here, even though it's a pickup, not an SUV. But it's the same powertrain...

Rear main seal needs to be replaced in my 2009 Denali. It has 150k miles, and we plan to keep it for quite a while longer. Since we're dropping the transmission, I figure it's probably a good time to proactively replace the TC. I can get a Delco reman from Rock Auto for $344 after the core charge. Any reason not to do that?

Totally stock - I've never done any extra work on it, not even a tune. Frankly, I don't trust myself with any more power/capability.

Billet cover if you frequently tow/haul or otherwise live in a high heat climate. Make sure the new converter has a converter clutch that's at least .050" thick (my builder uses .070" thick clutches).

If the Delco reman uses the same garbage .020" thick clutch, hard pass.

 

[donjetman]

Asking the question here, even though it's a pickup, not an SUV. But it's the same powertrain...

Rear main seal needs to be replaced in my 2009 Denali. It has 150k miles, and we plan to keep it for quite a while longer. Since we're dropping the transmission, I figure it's probably a good time to proactively replace the TC. I can get a Delco reman from Rock Auto for $344 after the core charge. Any reason not to do that?

Totally stock - I've never done any extra work on it, not even a tune. Frankly, I don't trust myself with any more power/capability.

I installed a Precision of New Hampton tc, # P4646, 4+ yrs and 57k miles ago when at 132k miles I had my tranny etc out to do a rear main seal job. $218 and no regrets.

https://gopnh.com/

 

[intheburbs]

I installed a Precision of New Hampton tc, # P4646, 4+ yrs and 57k miles ago when at 132k miles I had my tranny etc out to do a rear main seal job. $218 and no regrets.

https://gopnh.com/

Don, it says that's for a 6L90. The 4645 is for the 6L80. Are they interchangeable? I have zero experience with this.

 

[Geotrash]

Don, it says that's for a 6L90. The 4645 is for the 6L80. Are they interchangeable? I have zero experience with this.

It's second hand info, but the transmission shop told me he uses the same model BU60FHD in both the 6L80 and 6L90, and it was listed as compatible with both in the CVC catalog at the time, so my bet is that yes, they are interchangeable.

 

[swathdiver]

Cadillac Chevrolet Pontiac Torque Converter 77-JMBX

Cadillac Chevrolet Pontiac 77-JMBX

floridatorqueconverters.com

B & I Torque Converters in Oklahoma City is who Richard at Precision Transmissions in Amarillo uses.

GM 6L80, 6L90 (300mm) Torque Converter

Sonnax Torque Converter parts for GM 6L80, 6L90 (300mm) applications

www.sonnax.com

 

[donjetman]

Don, it says that's for a 6L90. The 4645 is for the 6L80. Are they interchangeable? I have zero experience with this.

Yes, the 4646 is stronger is what the dealer told me that I purchased it from.

 

[Foggy]

PATC in louisiana makes good converters too... The "stock" core one has a beefed up clutch and you can also
order whatever stall speed you'd like. Mine is holding up very well.. ( with the new cam I wish I'd gone to a
2000 stall instead of the 1800) Stock is about 1600 rpm stall.

 

[Charlie207]

I installed a Precision of New Hampton tc, # P4646, 4+ yrs and 57k miles ago when at 132k miles I had my tranny etc out to do a rear main seal job. $218 and no regrets.

https://gopnh.com/

What was the stall speed on that converter? I'd go with a new 2500 JMBX for my 6L80, but I want a slightly higher speed to better match the cam I'm installing.

 

[petethepug]

@NickTransmissions please pick up the blue courtesy phone next to bay one.

 

[donjetman]

What was the stall speed on that converter? I'd go with a new 2500 JMBX for my 6L80, but I want a slightly higher speed to better match the cam I'm installing.

??????
Whatever STOCK is I guess

 

[Charlie207]

??????
Whatever STOCK is I guess

Gotcha. Thanks.

 

[NickTransmissions]

What was the stall speed on that converter? I'd go with a new 2500 JMBX for my 6L80, but I want a slightly higher speed to better match the cam I'm installing.

Contact your cam manufacturer and they will recommend a stall speed range based on the cam grind, vehicle weight, intended usage pattern and final drive ratio. That is the best way to determine the appropriate stall. You want your converter to be "matched" to your cam and where it makes a preponderance of it's power.

 

[992dr]

Billet cover if you frequently tow/haul or otherwise live in a high heat climate. Make sure the new converter has a converter clutch that's at least .050" thick (my builder uses .070" thick clutches).

If the Delco reman uses the same garbage .020" thick clutch, hard pass.

Sorry to dig up an old thread. I just had a question in regard to the clutch pack thickness.

This is quoted from the sales rep. This particular Converter also has a billet front cover plate.

I had asked him about the thickness, and this is what he said. He also sent me a link from Sonnax.

"We utilize a new woven carbon lockup clutch in these builds. It's the exact material that would have come stock. Same thickness as OEM"

FAQs About Woven Carbon Friction Rings | Sonnax

Get answers to top questions about rebuilding torque converters with segmented, OE woven carbon friction ring material.

www.sonnax.com

What are your thoughts on this? Stock thickness but a better material sounds good, I think.
Does your guy build them with billet front plates?

Thanks

 

[opfor2]

So is replacing the TC easy like removing the old one and placing the new one into the transmission? I too have the same issue as the original poster and I wanted to replace my TC as a PM thing before it goes out since the trans will be removed to replace the rear main seal.

 

[donjetman]

So is replacing the TC easy like removing the old one and placing the new one into the transmission? I too have the same issue as the original poster and I wanted to replace my TC as a PM thing before it goes out since the trans will be removed to replace the rear main seal.

yes it's easy once the tranny is out.

 

[MWD_CTSV]

Sorry to dig up an old thread. I just had a question in regard to the clutch pack thickness.

This is quoted from the sales rep. This particular Converter also has a billet front cover plate.

I had asked him about the thickness, and this is what he said. He also sent me a link from Sonnax.

"We utilize a new woven carbon lockup clutch in these builds. It's the exact material that would have come stock. Same thickness as OEM"

FAQs About Woven Carbon Friction Rings | Sonnax

Get answers to top questions about rebuilding torque converters with segmented, OE woven carbon friction ring material.

www.sonnax.com

What are your thoughts on this? Stock thickness but a better material sounds good, I think.
Does your guy build them with billet front plates?

Thanks

The Sonnax woven carbon friction with the billet front cover plate will give a longer live and perform like OEM. I would have no issue with a torque converter rebuild with that clutch, especially for a stock replacement.

Sonnax also sells the Borg-Warner high energy frictions as well, which some rebuilders prefer. The HTS friction is the best for TCC slip in the stock application and comes in 1.1mm and 1.7mm. Even though this is a high quality friction, I don't think it can compete with the woven carbon (unless you disable TCC slip), so many prefer the thicker version, because it will wear over time, and more friction equals more life.

 

[992dr]

The Sonnax woven carbon friction with the billet front cover plate will give a longer live and perform like OEM. I would have no issue with a torque converter rebuild with that clutch, especially for a stock replacement.

Sonnax also sells the Borg-Warner high energy frictions as well, which some rebuilders prefer. The HTS friction is the best for TCC slip in the stock application and comes in 1.1mm and 1.7mm. Even though this is a high quality friction, I don't think it can compete with the woven carbon (unless you disable TCC slip), so many prefer the thicker version, because it will wear over time, and more friction equals more life.

Thank you MWD_CTSV, I appreciate the input and info. This converter sounds like a good option for me.