i know you have to have one if you run a really radical cam, but what is it?

 

Its a replacement for your stock torque converter (auto trans) which allows more slip, so the engine can reach into its power range at takeoff. Do a search in the tech sections. Im sure theres heaps of info in here.

 

i dont really need a lot of info, i just wanted to know what it was, you did a pretty good job of explaining it

 

That is a good laymans definition.. How they work is vastly interesting.. well to me it is...

 

A stall converter is a converter where the power of the engine is transferred to the tires at a higher RPM where the engine's true power resides. Most cars come with a 700-1200 stall converter stock. 2500-3000 is still streetable and 3500+ is for drag racing. The number of the converter (i.e. 2500 stall) is the RPM at which the converter locks and the power is transferred to the wheels.

This may be a little nerdy but it's everything you need to know

 

yeah. You have to have one if you have an automatic period. Yeah, i think they are pretty cool to. I just dont like the power loses through all the fluid.

 

Maybe another addition to the FAQ with pictures and arrows to show how they work, and a lengthy description of what it all means.. Nah I like the first one. Succicnt and to the point. Besides the fingers hurt and its late.

 

Well, here she is with pictures and a long explanation.
http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2000/09/converter/

 

nice artical but then wouldn't getting a higher stall converter also mean lower gas mileage?