Hello. I've had the engine out of my firebird for last year or so. Have been turning it over to make sure its okay but have now got the engine back in the car and I am wondering how to align the auto transmission...Is there an easy way of doing it and getting the two locators lined up?*Unfortunately I can not connect the tranny to the engine out of the car as do not have the equipment to drop the engine back in with tranny connected!*Thanks

 

With the trans already in the car and still sitting on the cross member, Put a block of wood on the front of the trans pan then jack the front up until it nearly hits the hump. Make sure the torque converter is still fully engaged into the pump or pump damage can accure, Now lower engine down with slight rear tilt until the engine aligns with the bell housing then shove it back to engage the alignment pins.

Put a screw in each side of the bell housing just snugly then drop the jack under the trans pan, Lower the engine down on the mounts and bolt in, Then finish installing the rest of the bell housing screws.......

 

Thanks for the quick reply! I think that's my trouble, the Torque convertor is still on the engine and separate from the trans. I am quite wary as I do not want to damage the pump. Whats the easiest way of aligning these two? I have included some pictures below which might help...

Thanks again.

 

you are gonna want to install the converter on the tranny first, also you are gonna need to fill up the converter with fluid before sliding it on the tranny. once its on there and pushed in as far as it can go install the tranny to the motor. once its installed on the motor slide the converter toward the flexplate/flywheel and install the 3 bolts. thats it.

 

But spin the converter while pushing in to make SURE it engages the pump properly, And..... I wouldn't re-install without replacing that front seal.....

 

Brilliant thanks for all the advice. I have ordered a new seal for front.

 

Spin the converter clockwise and push toward the trans.
Keep doing that; it will go past multiple clicks where it lines up splines, pump tangs, and bushing, not in that order.

Keep the trans tilted slightly back and the converter will stay in place and there should be a gap between it and the flexplate. If not, back it off and starter over.

I never use studs in the bellhousing bolt holes of the engine, but it's a perfectly valid way to help. line the trans. up so the alignment dowels go where they should.

A floor jack and wood under the pan will do the trick but a helper is a good idea. The < $100 Harbor Freight trans. jack is good enough for infrequent use but lube the jackscrew.