should I buy this used stall?

**LeadFarmer** · 05-16-2011, 08:46 AM

ok a guy I know on facebook is selling a TCI streetfighter (3200-3600?) stall-used with 1200-1500miles on it for $100 plus shipping. He said there's nothing wrong with the stall and that he onlky stalled it up once. He said he's selling it cuz his tranny blew shortly after the install and that the tranny would just slip the first time he tried to stall it up. Would you guys jump on this? He said worst case scenario there might be a few shavings in the converter, which would be washed out once I change the tranny fluid.

should I buy?

**oldmanZ28** · 05-16-2011, 02:03 PM

would I jump on it,NO.

**whitetrashbird** · 05-16-2011, 02:22 PM

I'd pass as well. Once his tranny took a dump, there's trash all in the converter.

Dan

**LeadFarmer** · 05-16-2011, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by whitetrashbird

I'd pass as well. Once his tranny took a dump, there's trash all in the converter.

Dan

well I already bought it since it was only $100, once it comes in do you think it would be a good idea to open it up and see if there's any damage? If it's filled with trash couldn't I just wash it out? or does the problem go deeper than that?

**98TransAmWs-6** · 05-16-2011, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by LeadFarmer

ok a guy I know on facebook is selling a TCI streetfighter (3200-3600?) stall-used with 1200-1500miles on it for $100 plus shipping. He said there's nothing wrong with the stall and that he onlky stalled it up once. He said he's selling it cuz his tranny blew shortly after the install and that the tranny would just slip the first time he tried to stall it up. Would you guys jump on this? He said worst case scenario there might be a few shavings in the converter, which would be washed out once I change the tranny fluid.should I buy?

That is the kind of question you should ask before you buy something.

Originally Posted by LeadFarmer

well I already bought it since it was only $100, once it comes in do you think it would be a good idea to open it up and see if there's any damage? If it's filled with trash couldn't I just wash it out? or does the problem go deeper than that?

You would be crazy not to open it up and see if there is any damage. Well if it's damaged you would have to replace parts, simply cleaning it up wouldn't do. But since you only spent $100 even if there was damage I wouldn't imagine it would cost as much to fix it as it would to buy a whole new converter unless the whole thing was completely destroyed.

**Firebirdjones** · 05-16-2011, 03:48 PM

The only way to properly clean that converter after all that trash passed through is to send it back to the manufacture, they cut it open (in half) to clean them, then reweld and rebalance. They might now offer a flush type of program that might be a tick cheaper, been a long time since I've had to do this.

Otherwise you are just playing with matches. If you don't want to go through the trouble and expense (shipping back and forth plus what ever TCI will charge to do it) Then i'd toss it in the trash and buy a new one.

**LeadFarmer** · 05-16-2011, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by 98TransAmWs-6

You would be crazy not to open it up and see if there is any damage. Well if it's damaged you would have to replace parts, simply cleaning it up wouldn't do. But since you only spent $100 even if there was damage I wouldn't imagine it would cost as much to fix it as it would to buy a whole new converter unless the whole thing was completely destroyed.

well when I say his tranny blew what I mean is his tranny slipped and his clutch bands got burned and the car wouldn't shift, would that still mean there's a good chance the stall is filled with crap?

**98TransAmWs-6** · 05-16-2011, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

The only way to properly clean that converter after all that trash passed through is to send it back to the manufacture, they cut it open (in half) to clean them, then reweld and rebalance. They might now offer a flush type of program that might be a tick cheaper, been a long time since I've had to do this.

Otherwise you are just playing with matches. If you don't want to go through the trouble and expense (shipping back and forth plus what ever TCI will charge to do it) Then i'd toss it in the trash and buy a new one.

I think this is your best bet OP, just to make sure nothing is wrong with it otherwise just like Firebirdjones said you are playing with matches, you could be fine or you might not be.

**Firebirdjones** · 05-16-2011, 03:58 PM

Yep....

I wouldn't take any chances. I know it's not what you want to hear. But considering how cheap a new TCI converter is, I would have stuck my $100 towards a new one. Buy the time you add your $100 purchase price, plus shipping back and forth and what ever they charge for cleaning depending on what it's going to entail, you'll probably find yourself damn near close to a new TCI converter anyway.

**LeadFarmer** · 05-16-2011, 04:18 PM

damn lol, what are the symptomes of a stall taking a dump? I'd like to ask the previous owner if he was experiencing any of them after his tranny blew

**RyanJM** · 05-16-2011, 04:20 PM

I would have gone new. My Circle D 3200 new was only $375. I would take the chance on having trash in the stall and installing it.

**Mikat1** · 05-17-2011, 04:43 PM

I bought a used tci out of a blown tranny. thing runs amazing with it in! if you are feeling a little sketch you can usually send it back to the manufacturer and they will re work it for $180-$200

**LeadFarmer** · 05-17-2011, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by Mikat1

I bought a used tci out of a blown tranny. thing runs amazing with it in! if you are feeling a little sketch you can usually send it back to the manufacturer and they will re work it for $180-$200

just curious, did you get a tune immedietely after putting it in or no?

Also the stall just came in today, drenched in tranny fluid, I looked/felt the fluid and I can't feel any metal, the fluid doesn't smell/look burnt either, so I think i'm just gonna pick up a tranny cooler, shift kit, throw her in and call it a day and hope all goes well. :fingers crossed:

**Mikat1** · 05-17-2011, 09:12 PM

No tune after install.. runs great tho. A torque converter doesn't NEED a tune (recommended) as it can run with your stock tune. It could mess with your idle in theory.. drain any remaining fluid and check thoroughly for any metal shavings or anything, look inside the input shaft and make sure all the teeth look good. If they do I'd say go for it

**Mikat1** · 05-17-2011, 09:13 PM

Good luck with the install. Keep us posted

**Firebirdjones** · 05-18-2011, 07:44 AM

Needing a tune depends on the stall. If it drives even remotely loose, then it will trigger an engine misfire code putting the car in limp mode because it thinks the transmission is slipping.

Generally after a loose converter is installed, at a minimum the engine misfire tables will have to be desensitized and in some cases people eliminate it completely. If you are lucky that's all that will have to be changed.
Others have had to tweak their shift points, line pressures, converter lockup pressures, etc.....

**LeadFarmer** · 05-18-2011, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

Needing a tune depends on the stall. If it drives even remotely loose, then it will trigger an engine misfire code putting the car in limp mode because it thinks the transmission is slipping.

Generally after a loose converter is installed, at a minimum the engine misfire tables will have to be desensitized and in some cases people eliminate it completely. If you are lucky that's all that will have to be changed.
Others have had to tweak their shift points, line pressures, converter lockup pressures, etc.....

is that something a mail tune from frost can take care of? Or would I have to get a dyno tune?