I understand and agree with the theory on the filter, but the converter failure also damaged the pump and the fear of any debris that may have remained in the cooler prompted my external filter addition. At the time, I had a large, expensive external cooler and it had stuff in it. I flushed the devil out of it, and it seemed like just when I thought it was good, I'd spot another little piece.
I had a acquaintance who would cut converters open on the band saw and modify the turbine fins, weld them back together to increase the stall speed. He learned how to do it in vocational school. Lost touch years back. I buy rebuilt converters from a local transmission parts supplier called Dacco Detroit. They are pretty inexpensive compared to aftermarket. If you do your homework, you can find one that will work sometimes. There are various diameter and stall speeds designed for vehicles. Many converters will interchange, especially GM stuff. We used to use vega converters in the turbo hydromatics to increase stall speed. I think I still have one in the barn from days gone by, they were smaller, 10", from memory.
