Need Help With Selecting A Torque Converter

Dank Xploidz · February 15, 2011

I have a 1997 chevy k1500 with the vortec 5700. Im about to rebuild the tranny but I cant figure out what kind of torque converter I need. I want about a 2000 stall but I can't find what I need. Is it true that I have "pwm"? What is pwm? Is it true I have to remove my current stock converter to see what code it on there?

DwayneJ · February 15, 2011

Getting a converter is not that complicated. You have a 4L60E behind a first gen motor. In the truck a 2000stall is probably a nice balance of a little more performance but still not a high stall.

I like www.edgeracingconverters.com I use one of their higher stall 9.5" units with the 4L60E in my street/strip Caprice but they have 12" units that would be a better match for you.

I believe Vigilante also offers high quality 12" units as well.

If a local rebuild shop offers you a converter it will probably be a $70 Dacco POS marked up to at least $200 I would not go that route.

PWM is Pulse Width Modulation and any decent rebuild gets rid of it. It is used to soften shifts and torque converter lockup, for the enthusiast all it does is make things feel lazy and cause unnecessary heat and wear. It has nothing to do with converter selection. Whomever told you you need the code off the current converter wants to get exactly the same thing to put back in. I believe the trucks were something like 16-1800stall stock.