Just to clarify: I've done a search, and I've talked to 2 different transmission shops, various local performance shops, and more forums than you can shake a stick at. I'm not entirely sure what to do at this point because nobody has given me a straight-forward answer on what is the right and wrong things to do here. Trying to currently figure this one out before making a dumb mistake and digging myself even deeper.

Story
Basically put - I am new to automatics. I'm coming from nothing but manuals (T5's and T56's), and that's all I know. That being said - a well versed family friend I know in the automotive trade sold me a 350 Turbo. He said that I need a NON-LOCKUP converter for a TH350. I double-checked with him just to clarify that for myself since my memory is iffy at times. That and I know there's a major difference between the converters and how they operate. Bought the converter (2800-3200 non-lockup). Took it to another good friend/well known drag racer locally in the STL area two weeks later and he immediately looks at it and says "that trans is a lockup. Your converter ain't gonna work with that trans". He explained why (because of the difference in the input shafts, and the electronic plugin). I confronted the person who sold me the transmission, and he claims the nonlockup will work fine. That makes no sense to me whatsoever. Both of these guys are credible individuals, but I think the guy I bought the trans from is in the wrong and he just isn't aware of it for whatever reason.

So the question is this, because I have a few options.. Do I:

A - Cut the 'tip' off the input shaft, and run the non-lockup with the electronics uplugged assuming this is a feasible solution (granted I HATE rigging things)? This seems like it would work, but I really cannot say if it would or wouldn't. Just because things look the same between the TH350 and the TH350C doesn't mean they are. Not to mention - this is an all or nothing attempt with the possibility of losing more money that I don't have.
B - Buy an overpriced lockup converter and run it locked up.
C - Sink it, and start all over.

Getting my money back doesn't look like it's going to happen because he assures me he's not wrong on this. I don't doubt his experience is much further than mine, but my logical thoughts tell me he is in error here. Here's what I found after hours of searching (I made this to print it out to him and show him, but he's gone until Tuesday.. fantastic.) Any help would really be useful.

 

If you cut the tip off and run the non lockup converter, you will have to plug one off the passages in the pump. I'll see if I can dig up a picture of where it is. There is nothing wrong with running a lockup converter. You will need a way to activate it, there are aftermarket kits that let you do it manually or have it done off of engine load.

 

I knew of aftermarket kits to fix this problem, but I'd still need a torque converter. I could buy another built (used) transmission for around that price when all that is added up. Right now, cost comes into play since I've burned my reserves on miscellaneous odds and ends. I'd like to see that picture if at all possible so I can run it by him (the drag racer friend of mine familiar with the 350 turbo's) and see what he thinks would be effective. I just recently bought a real good trans cooler as well, so heat isn't a problem either from the non-lockup.

Keep me posted.

 

I know it's a long time ago now but did you go ahead with cutting the tip off the input shaft on the TH350C? I am in the same boat so would really like to hear from you soon as I am pulling the trans out tomorrow.
Thanks in advance