2000blackta

iTrader: (16)

the bolts that came with the converter will not go in, the bolt on the head is rubbing the frame and it seems like too large of a diameter to thread in anyway. I tried to reuse the stock bolts but once they go in all of the way, they just keep spinning. A buddy and myself are 90% done with this install and would like to get this taken care of. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

2xLS1

iTrader: (25)

Is it a TCI converter? For some reason TCI taps their converter mounting lugs with SAE threads. I think 9/16x18. I think they even require that you drill the holes on the flexplate. They really should get with the program and tap them M10x1.5 like everyone else does. Then you could reuse the stock bolts or use the late model GM hex head metric bolts part # 1261968. There would be no need to drill the flexplate then also. Everything else on these cars is metric.

2000blackta

iTrader: (16)

so if i order the bolts that you gave the part# for then i won't have to drill the flex plate? And yes it is a TCI, i guess im not the first one to have this problem.

2xLS1

iTrader: (25)

The bolts I gave the part # for are M10x1.5. Same thread as the stock converter bolts except with a hex head instead of the allen head. I'm afraid if you didn't drill the flexplate so the SAE 9/16x18 bolts will go through, you are going to have to. My point was TCI needs to reengineer their converters to use the same metric thread bolts as the stock converter. Yank and PI does.

2000blackta

iTrader: (16)

so either way i am going to have to drill to flex plate? Am i going to have to drop the tranny again to do this? Or is there a bolt that i can use that will just go in? I really appreciate the help

2xLS1

iTrader: (25)

I think you are going to have to pull the tranny. Weren't there any instructions with the converter that mentioned drilling the flex plate? If not, I would call TCI tomorrow and get their recomendation.

2000blackta

iTrader: (16)

it came with instructions but mentions nothing about drilling the flexplate. To be completely honest, i don't even think that i know what the flex plate is

2xLS1

iTrader: (25)

It's the big round thing bolted to the back of the crankshaft. It's what the bolts have to pass through before they thread into the converter. Do you know what a flywheel is? Cars with clutches use flywheels, cars with automatics use flex plates.

2000blackta

iTrader: (16)

oh I got ya, i just thought that they were all flywheels. So im gonna have to get the flex plate drilled and then the bolts that TCI sent me should work? Or will i have to get the converter holes drilled out too? Sorry for so many questions but the transmission is really the only thing that I have never worked on, and now I know why! Thank you though, you have been extremely helpful.

Billnz28

iTrader: (4)

I just installed my brothers tci 3500 about a month ago and in the instruction it tells you to drill out just one of the holes, the bolts will work on two of them, I only had to drill one of them. it tells you that in the instuctions or atleast on his convertor it did.

2000blackta

iTrader: (16)

Yeah, I wish mine would have said that, but nope. I tried the bolts in all 3 of the holes and they won't fit in any of them. I really just wana get this thing done with

2000blackta

iTrader: (16)

the one hole that you drilled out, did you do it with the tranny and flex plate still bolted to the car? I just really don't want to drop the tranny again

Billnz28

iTrader: (4)

No I did it while the tranny was out,