350/turbo 350 assembly issues

[Lunnb]

Trying to mate a 1972 350 SBC to a new TCI Sizzler turbo 350 , using Summit torque converter . After fully seating the converter into the front pump , I have a 1.25" gap between the front of the bellhousing and the mounting pads on the converter . TCI says it should be around 1.125" . However , once I mate the engine to the transmission and slide the converter towards the flexplate , there is still a .25"+ gap between the flexplate and the converter mounting pad . The converter is bottoming out against the end of the crank so it won't make up the gap . I know the converter needs to be seated deep enough in the pump so as not to damage the pump drive ears so these gaps seem excessive and I don't know if shimming is the correct thing to do . I haven't worked on these In over 20 years so I'm fuzzy on how to resolve this . I have reached out to Summit ,awaiting their answer . Has anyone encountered these issues ? Thanks !

[MikeN]

I don't know if it is "correct" or not, but I had the exact same issue years ago on a Chevy Nova with 350/TH350, and being very low on funding at the time, I shimmed all three mounting points with flat washers. I drove it several years with no issues.

If funds aren't an issue, I'd see what flex plate your converter manufacturer recommends.

[Lunnb]

Just as a test , it have shimmed this with flat washers . Everything seems to line up . I compared the new Summit converter to the original Chevy converter , the Summit is about 1/8" shorter at the mounting tabs . I'm in no hurry to install the engine , so I will wait to see what Summit says about the fit issue . I bought a new converter so there wouldn't be any problems with the new power train , sigh ...

[Captainfab]

You didn't by chance put the flexplate on backwards did you?

[Lunnb]

No sir , the flexplate is on properly . The increased gap appears to be related to the Summit converter being a bit shorter , thinner , than the original Chevy converter . Hopefully, Summit will respond to my email this week , if not I'll call them .

[Softpatch]

you'll probably need the" Summit speed adapter Kit" to connect the summit converter to you Stock flywheel ( 3 washer) + shipping because your a return customer you"ll prolly get a free gift (hat,catalog,)
some of the chevy flywheels have concave or embossed out were converter bolts up not all are flat
why the question...." Did you have flywheel facing properly"
.
this is the engine side Note the dish away were the torq-convert bolt up
.

[hjewell2]

Originally Posted by captainfab

you didn't by chance put the flexplate on backwards did you?

bingo