best way to install conveter? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ocbaud · 02-26-2004, 08:17 PM

what would be the best way to install my new toruqe conveter? bolt it to the flexplate and drop it in with the engine? or the hardway and hook it to the tranny and then bolt the engine and conveter together?

SCOTI · 02-26-2004, 08:28 PM

The hard way.... it's the only accurrate way to make sure the torque converter is properly engaged to the trans pump.

bigblock73 · 02-26-2004, 08:32 PM

I would slide it on the trans first, making sure to seat it properly (by spinning the converter till it "seats"), then bolt the trans to the engine, then finally bolting the converter to the flexplate.

ALSO...

DO NOT FORGET to fill the converter with trans fluid before bolting everything together. The best way to do it is to fill it until it starts to leak when the converter is on its side. Take your time, it takes the fluid a while to find its way thru the converter...it gives the impression it is full because it drains slow.

bigblock73 · 02-26-2004, 08:35 PM

BTW...

it is conveRter

78chevstepside · 02-26-2004, 08:53 PM

I put the torque converter on the trannny. Then drop the motor in and bolt it to the flex plate. The converter should spin freely. If it dont its not in the pump.

low 84 · 02-26-2004, 09:55 PM

the first way you described would be 20 times harder than the second. it would be a huge pita to try to get the converter seated with it already bolted to the engine

ocbaud · 02-26-2004, 09:56 PM

the hardest part of pulling the old 305 was unbolting the converter from the flexplate!

low 84 · 02-26-2004, 10:58 PM

why? it took me about 5 min to unbolt mine last week

the first time i pulled it it took awhile only because they had been put on way too tight before

78chevstepside · 02-26-2004, 11:09 PM

I think it would almost be impossible to bolt the converter to the flex plate first when installing a motor. I just dont think you could get enough rotation with the motor for it to go into the pump. I.m.o that would be a good way to mess up the pump. when I install a motor that is one of my main concerns making sure the converter is installed right. once the motor is in position the first thing I do is bolt up the converter to the flex plate. It should spin freely . Its really kinda hard too screw up because if it dont spin freely you couldnt get the bolts in. I have had to remove the torque converter bolts on a seized up motor now was that is very difficult.

*rage'nrat638* · 02-27-2004, 01:12 AM

get a flex plate turning tool.......K-D TOOL
fill the converter with trans fluid.....
pre-lube the front pump seal......
rub some fluid on the converter outter tube.....

slip it in ...turning and pushing till about 2" past the bell housing...till completely seated

you could brake your pump....doing it any other way....
if not toast your front seal.....

*rage'nrat638* · 02-27-2004, 01:15 AM

here's my son doing just that.....very important step.....

Destructo · 02-27-2004, 02:04 AM

I didn't fill my new converter with fluid before I installed it. I probably got lucky that I didn't toast it. Next time I do that i'll be filling it up. Thats was the first time I ever used a new converter and didn't give it any thought.

ocbaud · 02-27-2004, 02:15 AM

out of curiosity, whats the stock stall speed on most of our converters? the guy at the place i had mine built at said it was around 1300 or so

Destructo · 02-27-2004, 02:29 AM

I'm not sure but I think it may be around 1600 actually.

79BIG10 · 02-27-2004, 05:50 AM

One thing I've always done is spin the converter while filling it up. Take some fluid fill it up some (after about 2 quarts) and spin it clockwise then counter clockwise. This makes sure all the fins inside and everything coated with fluid. Then add 3rd quart and instaall like others mentioned.

PHOENIX · 02-27-2004, 12:07 PM

I have to agree, installed the converter on the front of the trans then push the trans to the plate and bolt the converter to the flex plate. If you bolt the converter to the flex plate like a clutch pressure plate you will bust the front pump in the trans when you try to insert the trans into the converter. Trust me, I have done it

02-26-2004, 08:17 PM	#1
ocbaud Garage Queen Material Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA Posts: 4,129	best way to install conveter? what would be the best way to install my new toruqe conveter? bolt it to the flexplate and drop it in with the engine? or the hardway and hook it to the tranny and then bolt the engine and conveter together?

02-26-2004, 08:28 PM	#2
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,943	The hard way.... it's the only accurrate way to make sure the torque converter is properly engaged to the trans pump. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

02-26-2004, 08:32 PM	#3
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	I would slide it on the trans first, making sure to seat it properly (by spinning the converter till it "seats"), then bolt the trans to the engine, then finally bolting the converter to the flexplate. ALSO... DO NOT FORGET to fill the converter with trans fluid before bolting everything together. The best way to do it is to fill it until it starts to leak when the converter is on its side. Take your time, it takes the fluid a while to find its way thru the converter...it gives the impression it is full because it drains slow. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

02-26-2004, 08:35 PM	#4
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	BTW... it is conveRter __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

02-26-2004, 09:55 PM	#6
low 84 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,144	the first way you described would be 20 times harder than the second. it would be a huge pita to try to get the converter seated with it already bolted to the engine __________________ '51 F100, backhalf with a narrowed 9 and coil overs, 18.5" mickeys, monte front clip, +400" sbc in the works '05 1500 Crew Cab RIP '84 swb 5/7 drop, solid cammed 408 w/ fully ported dart heads, th350 w/ 10 inch hughes, 12 bolt w/ 3.73 richmonds and a locker '80 swb 4x4 in progress: 7" lift, 350 th350/np205, d44 and 1.5" ORD tie rod, 14BFF w/discs , armored diff covers, 40" MTR's

02-26-2004, 08:53 PM	#5
78chevstepside Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: lacenter, washington Posts: 718	I put the torque converter on the trannny. Then drop the motor in and bolt it to the flex plate. The converter should spin freely. If it dont its not in the pump.

02-26-2004, 09:56 PM	#7
ocbaud Garage Queen Material Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA Posts: 4,129	the hardest part of pulling the old 305 was unbolting the converter from the flexplate!

02-26-2004, 10:58 PM	#8
low 84 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,144	why? it took me about 5 min to unbolt mine last week the first time i pulled it it took awhile only because they had been put on way too tight before __________________ '51 F100, backhalf with a narrowed 9 and coil overs, 18.5" mickeys, monte front clip, +400" sbc in the works '05 1500 Crew Cab RIP '84 swb 5/7 drop, solid cammed 408 w/ fully ported dart heads, th350 w/ 10 inch hughes, 12 bolt w/ 3.73 richmonds and a locker '80 swb 4x4 in progress: 7" lift, 350 th350/np205, d44 and 1.5" ORD tie rod, 14BFF w/discs , armored diff covers, 40" MTR's

02-26-2004, 11:09 PM	#9
78chevstepside Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: lacenter, washington Posts: 718	I think it would almost be impossible to bolt the converter to the flex plate first when installing a motor. I just dont think you could get enough rotation with the motor for it to go into the pump. I.m.o that would be a good way to mess up the pump. when I install a motor that is one of my main concerns making sure the converter is installed right. once the motor is in position the first thing I do is bolt up the converter to the flex plate. It should spin freely . Its really kinda hard too screw up because if it dont spin freely you couldnt get the bolts in. I have had to remove the torque converter bolts on a seized up motor now was that is very difficult. Attached Images

02-27-2004, 01:12 AM	#10
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	get a flex plate turning tool.......K-D TOOL fill the converter with trans fluid..... pre-lube the front pump seal...... rub some fluid on the converter outter tube..... slip it in ...turning and pushing till about 2" past the bell housing...till completely seated you could brake your pump....doing it any other way.... if not toast your front seal.....

02-27-2004, 01:15 AM	#11
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	here's my son doing just that.....very important step..... Last edited by rage'nrat638; 07-12-2007 at 07:07 AM.

02-27-2004, 02:04 AM	#12
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	I didn't fill my new converter with fluid before I installed it. I probably got lucky that I didn't toast it. Next time I do that i'll be filling it up. Thats was the first time I ever used a new converter and didn't give it any thought. __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

02-27-2004, 02:15 AM	#13
ocbaud Garage Queen Material Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA Posts: 4,129	out of curiosity, whats the stock stall speed on most of our converters? the guy at the place i had mine built at said it was around 1300 or so

02-27-2004, 02:29 AM	#14
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	I'm not sure but I think it may be around 1600 actually. __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

02-27-2004, 05:50 AM	#15
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,775	One thing I've always done is spin the converter while filling it up. Take some fluid fill it up some (after about 2 quarts) and spin it clockwise then counter clockwise. This makes sure all the fins inside and everything coated with fluid. Then add 3rd quart and instaall like others mentioned. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson



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02-27-2004, 12:07 PM	#16
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	I have to agree, installed the converter on the front of the trans then push the trans to the plate and bolt the converter to the flex plate. If you bolt the converter to the flex plate like a clutch pressure plate you will bust the front pump in the trans when you try to insert the trans into the converter. Trust me, I have done it __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *

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