How many of you guys are running these converters? What are your opinions on their quality? I currently run a Fairbanks 3500, and wanting to upgrade to a 4500-5000 once I finish my 408 project. I have run this fairbanks for at least 12 years (well it has been in the car that long) and it has never gave any problems, or been refreshed. From what I understand they no longer exist, but either way, it was very expensive when it was purchased. Redneck's stuff looks reasonable, but i don't want to fall into the "you get what you pay for" line either. Any input would be great!
I also run a very old Fairbanks. Best one that I ever used but no longer available from what I understand. Have tried many other brands but never seemed to live up to their advertised stall, in some cases. Southern Transmissions in Pine Bluff, Ar. custom makes one of the best now. Bill Dowdy, who is an active drag racer, is one of the best. Must have all info on your car such as engine, weight, gearing, etc. to get an accurate idea of what stall is needed. This applys to all mfg. of converters. Across the counter purchase of a certain stall speed, will not work correctly on most cars, because of different torque outputs and a zillion other issues involved. Forms are available on line, from most companies, to get the right one for your application, or just call the tech line for help too.
Well, Here in Kansas (and across the NHRA) Neil Chance converters out of Wtichita are probably the best on the market. He makes everything from mild to wild. No matter what you are running he says if you break it in the first year he will fix it or replace it. Bar none the best I have run across. I ran a Fairbanks for years, and still have one for a Mustang II C-4 (They have a bellhousing and flywheel all thier own, very small) I loved it. But the Chance converter was closer to the stall I wanted. And if you need a transmission his brother builds those. And as always what was stated before "You get what you pay for". So, if you are building a car that needs that little bit extra, you might want to check them out.
i lean toward ati and possibly coan. not cheap but arguably the best converters built on the matket, and they know how to set them up for your combo. yes, you usually get what you pay for, unless you luck out.
Have seen three of those Redneck Performance converters. They're ok. Nothing to rant and rave about. Don't hit one with a transbrake or nitrous though. You might check into Ultimate Converter Concepts. Lenny is "Da Man".
I have a 5500 stall Redneck converter. It works pretty good, especially for $340 bucks! I originally bought a 4500 stall and then had them refurbish it for $120 to 5500. Very good customer service and the converter looks well made. However, I think my stall may be a little lower than the 5500 and a new expensive converter would probably be an improvement. When I ordered the Redneck one I just emailed him a form from one of the other converter websites with all my information and they built me the converter from that. I would recommend using them unless you are a serious drag racer.
