Balloon'd torque converter

What exactly happens when you balloon a tc. I have heard of it, but dont know exactly what happens. Could someone shed some light on this, i have an automatic with nitrous and was wondering how to avoid this mishap.

I thought the converter expanded and ran the hub into the front pump of the transmission. I have never seen it happen or even heard of it happening to someone.

All the anti ballooning/nitrous converters I've seen have an additional plate welded across the transmission side of the converter.

Seems like someone should have experienced this phenomena? Anyone?

Trust me I have first hand experience. With a dry 150 shot and 3 psi of boost I destroyed the inside of a NEW B&M holeshot T/C. Was told from my trans shop that the sudden surge of power from the NOS will hurt a t/c that does not have anti-balooning plates in it. Also when my converter went, many small metal shavings from the t/c circulated through the trans and ruined that as well. Put the right t/c and rebuilt the trans and love it now. At least it was a learning experience for me. Hope this helps.

anyone got any pics of what a nitrous TC looks like over a normal TC?

thanks OVR PWRD

the anti ballooning plates are internal,so you'd need a exploded view of a converter to see it.

Trust me I have first hand experience. With a dry 150 shot and 3 psi of boost I destroyed the inside of a NEW B&M holeshot T/C. Was told from my trans shop that the sudden surge of power from the NOS will hurt a t/c that does not have anti-balooning plates in it. Also when my converter went, many small metal shavings from the t/c circulated through the trans and ruined that as well. Put the right t/c and rebuilt the trans and love it now. At least it was a learning experience for me. Hope this helps.

Buying a B&M converter was your first problem.

There are also high end converters that use stronger, custom covers for added strength in very high torque applications. This http://www.coanracing.com/Imgs/COA-20230X/COA-20230X_2.jpg is the cover from Coan high end conveter. I think it's CNC machined billet aluminum. High end = $2,395, not for the average bear!

Rich

Actually, if you know what you are looking for, you should be able to see evidence of an anti-ballooning plate on the outside of the converter.

Are the precision industries and yank converters anti-balloon plated already?

Are the precision industries and yank converters anti-balloon plated already?

TC are usually best bought directly from tha manufacturer. The bigger companies have many, many variations. You need to be specific about the combo you are running, including the use of N2O. There are a lot of variables connected with choosing the right converter. No brand will necessarily have anti-balooning plates (or need them) unless they are specified by the buyer.

Rich

I agree with rskrause. By far and away people who get their info about converters online will simply post threads like "what converter should I get," and people will just respond with their limited knowledge without even knowing nearly enough about thier situation to make an informed recommendation even if they did have enough knowledge about matching converters to setups. Here is a list of what should really go into picking a converter:
Form to pick converter:

Make/Model
Year of car
Transmission
What gear ratio
Tires make
Tire size
Engine type
Engine displacement
-If not stock, bore
-If not stock, stroke
Camshaft
Heads/Headwork
Compression ratio
Intake modifications
Intake manifold
Exhaust modifications
Exhaust manifolds
Nitrous
-If so, how big is the shot?
-If so, should the converter be built to perform on or off n2o?
Supercharger
-If so, what kind?
-If so, how much boost?
Turbo
-If so, how many?
-If so, how much boost?
Altitude
Best 1/8 or 1/4 mile times
Best 60 foot times
Goal 1/8 or 1/4 mile times
Street, strip, or combo

I agree with rskrause. By far and away people who get their info about converters online will simply post threads like "what converter should I get," and people will just respond with their limited knowledge without even knowing nearly enough about thier situation to make an informed recommendation even if they did have enough knowledge about matching converters to setups. Here is a list of what should really go into picking a converter:
Form to pick converter:

Make/Model
Year of car
Transmission
What gear ratio
Tires make
Tire size
Engine type
Engine displacement
-If not stock, bore
-If not stock, stroke
Camshaft
Heads/Headwork
Compression ratio
Intake modifications
Intake manifold
Exhaust modifications
Exhaust manifolds
Nitrous
-If so, how big is the shot?
-If so, should the converter be built to perform on or off n2o?
Supercharger
-If so, what kind?
-If so, how much boost?
Turbo
-If so, how many?
-If so, how much boost?
Altitude
Best 1/8 or 1/4 mile times
Best 60 foot times
Goal 1/8 or 1/4 mile times
Street, strip, or combo

Good advice! There is maybe more need for a "custom" converter than there is for a custom cam. I put "custom" in quotes because we are really talking about custom matching (or tuning) the converter to your combo, not a unique design.

Rich