Flywheel and Torque Converter don't line up?

[56SS]

Well, I thought I was making some pretty good progress and nearing the running/driving state UNTIL...the flywheel doesn't line up with the torque converter correctly. I can see where the bolts need to thread in when looking through the flexplate, as you can see in the picture I attached, but they just don't line up close enough for me to thread them in. And yes, I tried all the different combinations that I could to try to get them to fit. As far as I know, I have a 4l60e from a late 90s full size van and a 5.3 from a 2001 silverado. I am wondering if getting the torque converter from a silverado will solve this issue, or if anyone else has ran into this before?

P.S....

I love this website and forum, it really is nice to be able to hop on the computer and consult with guys who are going through these builds, and have already gone through the builds. Just thought I'd take my chance to thank everyone while I post!!

[56SS]

Oops, forgot the pics...here they are

[ghettoluxury]

This is a common problem when using a older tranny. I have just slotted the holes in the flex plate as you will find many others have done when using a th350 or th400.

[56SS]

Originally Posted by ghettoluxury

This is a common problem when using a older tranny. I have just slotted the holes in the flex plate as you will find many others have done when using a th350 or th400.

You haven't had any issues when you extended the flex plate holes at all? I was concerned it might mess with the balance. Also, this is a 4l60e that I am using, which is the same tranny the 5.3 silverado used. That is where my confusion comes in the most.

[ghettoluxury]

No I have had no issues there are 6 trucks running around town that I have done this to and they all are fine. The torque converter you are using is for the older style tranny. The bolt hole location is set up for the old 350 style bolt pattern not the new LS pattern.

[ghettoluxury]

This is how it should be done.

[56SS]

I suppose that means the guy I bought the truck from threw on whatever torque converter he had laying around. I'll probably just go to the junkyard and grab a torque converter that actually matches the engine and call it good!

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

[ghettoluxury]

You said in your first post that the 4l60 was from a 90's van, so the converter is the one that matches that tranny. If it were me i would just pull the flex plate and have the holes elongated. Any machine shop can do it if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.

[bohmankid]

I also elongated the holes in my flex plate. Drives great!

[56SS]

Originally Posted by ghettoluxury

You said in your first post that the 4l60 was from a 90's van, so the converter is the one that matches that tranny. If it were me i would just pull the flex plate and have the holes elongated. Any machine shop can do it if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.

Shouldn't the 4l60e converter from the van match right up with the 5.3 I have in the truck, since the 5.3 would have had a 4l60e connected to it as well? That is where my issue is.

I wish the guy I bought this from would've just pulled the engine and trans from the same vehicle, but that's how it goes when you pick up someones project I guess.

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by 56SS

Shouldn't the 4l60e converter from the van match right up with the 5.3 I have in the truck, since the 5.3 would have had a 4l60e connected to it as well? That is where my issue is.

I wish the guy I bought this from would've just pulled the engine and trans from the same vehicle, but that's how it goes when you pick up someones project I guess.

4L60E/4L65E/4L70E used behind LS engine are different than all other 4L60E's used behind 5.7L & 4.3L Gen I engines, LS versions are called 300mm, Gen I versions are called 298mm.

If you use a 298mm 4L60E....ALL mods that it takes with older 3-speeds still apply!

[ghettoluxury]

Originally Posted by 56SS

Shouldn't the 4l60e converter from the van match right up with the 5.3 I have in the truck, since the 5.3 would have had a 4l60e connected to it as well? That is where my issue is.

Originally Posted by clinebarger

4L60E/4L65E/4L70E used behind LS engine are different than all other 4L60E's used behind 5.7L & 4.3L Gen I engines, LS versions are called 300mm, Gen I versions are called 298mm.

If you use a 298mm 4L60E....ALL mods that it takes with older 3-speeds still apply!

This is correct the 4l60 you have is a 298mm so you will need to elongate the holes on your flex plate or buy a conversion flex plate.

[56SS]

Originally Posted by ghettoluxury

This is correct the 4l60 you have is a 298mm so you will need to elongate the holes on your flex plate or buy a conversion flex plate.

How did you guys elongate the holes? Rat tail files? Drilling?
I appreciate the info

[ghettoluxury]

I use a center punch, a drill bit, and then run a carbide bit to clean op the edges. This could be done a file if you dont have a carbide bit.