I am going to remove and replace my engine. I have done this several times, always with manual transmissions, this time a 700r4. I have searched but can't find the answer to reconnecting the 700r4.

How do I couple the flex plate and torque converter? I do not understand the process of the torque converter to the flexplate. I think I am probably the only person here that does not know how to do this.

 

There are bolts that hold the two together. Just get the engine and tranny mated and get the bellhousing bolts in place and tightened, and then you can get the flexplate bolted to the TC - you just have to put in one ot two bolts, tighten, and then turn either by bumping the starter (recommended) or by turning the crank by hand (breaker bar on harmonic balancer bolt (not recommended).

Not sure on a manual, but the 700R4 is a PITA to get the three top tranny-to-engine bolts in - you need to have the dist cap and rotor button off, remove the rear tranny crossmember (leave the crossmember on the tranny, just remove from the car - that way the trannu can only twist a small amount until you get it bolted to the engine), and lower the tranny on a jack as far as you can before the dist hits the firewall, then you need 376 feet of extensions (well, almost ) to get up in there and get those three. Remember, the pass side top tranny bellhousing bolt holds the arm of the transmission dipstick tube as well as a ground wire or two - that one is a real PITA to get those on there and bolted without losing the dipstick and wires in the process (especially when you are doing it alone).

 

hint of advice for those top bolts on the bell hosing, move the ground wires!!!!! get them off the bell housing and move them to one of the head mounting holes on the back of the engine, you'll thank me the next time you take the transmission off. those ground wires have a tendency of becoming one with the bolt and not spin indipendantly of the bolt.... real pain in the *** and the transmission dip stick tube if you can swing it change it over to a Lokar flexible firewall mounted one. It simplifies the task so much and well is a nice shinny part as well

 

Thanks for the information.
I decided to retain the automatic and sold the t56 that I had for the car. The car is lowered and I was concerned about ground clearance with the t56.
No time like the present to do some OJT.