Here we are, staring another Thursday with an editorial throwback. The week is almost over, and once again, I am opening the Power Automedia editorial vault. We’re taking a step back in time to locate an article that can clear up some confusion — this time, it’s about torque converter selection. It’s one that you guys might have either forgotten about or might not even know exists. Whichever the case, I am certain that you will enjoy this editorial flashback.

I decided that this week, we should take a look back to just a few years ago, August 2012, and visit an article that all gearheads can find chock full of valuable information – How to Choose the Right Torque Converter. 

From the factory, it’s tough to get a look inside a torque converter and see what makes them tick. From the right counter-clockwise, you can see the cover (which bolts to the flexplate), the impeller pump (which slides over the transmission input shaft) the turbine, and the stator.

The original article is written by Clifton Klaverweiden, and he uses the article to deliver a lot of information about what stall you might need, and how to find that information. For starters, do you really know how a torque converter works? For many, that knowledge goes as deep as “it connects the engine and transmission.” That is true, but for instance, did you know that stall is rated in two distinct categories? One is flash, and the other is foot brake. Do you know how to figure the RPM of each? The article can help with that.

Cliff even enlists the professionals at TCI Automotive to make sure you get good information. “There are really, about seven major factors you need to take into consideration when you are trying to find the right torque converter for your car,” said Scott Miller. For instance, did you know that tire size, rearend gear ratio, and Camshaft design are major factors to consider when deciding? There are several others, but you’ll have to check out the original article to learn about all of them.

The fins inside the torque converter are like two fans blowing against each other (only with fluid instead of air). Eventually, one fan will blow harder and overpower the other, making it spin in the same direction.

Getting the right torque converter for your car doesn’t require you to be a practitioner of any black magic. It isn’t difficult and really boils down to two simple steps. First, just gather the technical specifics on your car, and then, give the experts at a top converter company a call. If you follow these steps, you can go forth, armed with all the necessary info to score yourself the right torque converter after just one simple call to the experts. You’ll spend less time installing and experimenting with torque converter combos, and more time enjoying your car.

Changing the size, shape, and number of fins inside a torque converter will affect what RPM it will stall at.

There is a lot more information – and a couple of videos to watch in the original article, but you’ll have to check it out to get the whole story. So, take a look back at, How to Choose the Right Torque Converter, and find out how you can make your hot rod launch like a rocket, and still retain the street manners you need.