abcx09t

My Transtar 2500 stall (torque) converter does not install well to my flexplate. There is about a 1/4 inch gap at the three bolt holes. The forward (short) shaft of the TC does not seem to fit into the crankshaft. Ever heard of this? The engine is a new GM Goodwrench long block converted to the Scoggin Dickey Vortec 350, but the block and hardware are stock parts. Is this gap typical or did someone leave a shim of the flexplate installation?

Thanks,

Scott

RB83L69

There definitely should be a gap. Tightening the bolts should pull the converter out of the trans a little bit.

The pilot should fit into the crank when the conv is pulled out.

1986redbird

not to argue RB, but, I think he is talking about the torque converter to flexplate gap, the torque converter should fit inside the crank hub and the mounting lugs on the torque converter should fit right up against the flexplate. if it doesn't, make sure the crank hub doesn't have anything in it. also try sanding the paint off of the pieces where they both go together, sometimes there is enough paint there to cause fit problems.

RB83L69

Right; except that ordinarily, if a converter is installed correctly into the trans, it will be somewhat too far rearward before the flex plate bolts are put in, and tightening the bolts will pull it out slightly toward the flex plate, at which time it will of course be tight up against it. But if you put a trans in and there isn't a gap there, then odds are the converter isn't in right, and it will destroy the front pump if you bolt it up anyway and run it like that.

"Pilot" is the name for the little round hub thing about 1½" in diameter welded to the front of the converter. It definiteyl should fit up into the crank when the converter pulls out of the trans from tightening the bolts.

Pro Built Automatics

The torque converter should move fore & aft freely, if it does not go back & forth easily then there might be something on the torque converter hub, this will need to be fixed. Once you solve that, then measure (using a feeler guage) the distance between the torque converter and flex plate, with the torque converter pushed away from the flex plate. The ideal clearance is .090 - .125. If you have more than this, you will need to get machined flat washers to reduce this clearance. Whichever flat washers you end up using, they must be identical in thickness. The torque converter must be moved forward exactly the same distance at all three corners.

750gixxer

one other thing u never thighten the bolts 2 pull the converter 2 the flexplate that could bend the flex plate

FyreLance

The torque converter should NOT mash against the flex plate. If you have a gap there that's a good thing.

But do not tighten the nuts to pull the converter out....

You should be able to move the converter back and forth a little bit. If you aren't smashed up against the flexplate that means you engaged all sets of splines. If you hadn't, your car would tear up your converter in a second. Just pull the converter against the flexplate and bolt it up. Should be good to go.