The cam makes power in a window of operation of about 3,500 rpm's. For instance, depending on the grind, it might make power from idle to 4,200 or 1,500 to 5,000 or 2,000 to 5,500 or 2,500 to 6,000 or 3000 to 6,500 or 3,500 to 7,000 or whatever ad infinitum. So, if you plan to buzz the motor to 7,000 for instance, then you should make allowance for a loose converter to get the motor up to and past the 3,500 rpm lower limit where it starts making power.
The next time you go to the drags, pay attention to some of the cars at the starting line, listen to the revs of the motor before they launch. They're using long cams to make power up high, so they also use a very loose converter to get the motor "up on the cam" before launch.
Any of you guys out there with a stock converter and a numerically low gear, for instance the 2.73 that was mentioned, have absolutely no business with a cam other than stock. Remember kids, it's all in the combination. Everything must be chosen to work together as a unit toward the same goal.
