10/8/04

I'm currently running a 350 sb in my '72 Nova and I have done a lot to this engine and still no difference. What's going on? Here's the run down: 350/30 over 9:1 comp/ 292 Comp Cam/ 2 bolt main and so on. I had an 1800 stall and now I have moved up to a 10" Hughes 3500 stall. I have not put it in yet. My question is how will I notice a difference in performance with the3500 stall? If so, how big of a difference? Thanks, '72 Nova

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Dear Mr. '72 Nova,

I will do my best here, but it would really be helpful to have more info. You state that you have done lots of stuff to the engine but see "no difference". I'll assume you mean the car doesn't go any faster at the drag strip as this is the only real way of accurately measuring results. The torque converter could very well be your problem. Of course, there are MANY other things that could be the problem also. If you have been using a cheap, low quality converter or a GM Vega converter to get some "stall" speed, switching to a quality unit such as the Hughes will definitely be rewarding. Or, the converter you have been using may be broke and lost all of its multiplying capabilities. Either way, a good converter is ALWAYS worth the money. As for estimating the performance gain, I couldn't even begin to know. It all depends on what you are switching from and going to. I will say however, I have personally seen a converter swap be worth a full SECOND in e.t.!

Hope this helps,

Jay