JapCrap

iTrader: (1)

I used the hughes spacer with the stock dished flexplate and it works fine. I think you may need to use a flat style or older style flexplate for that spacer.

kelsey_canard

iTrader: (6)

OK, I'm a little aggravated since every penny I've ever spent on a torque converter has brought me issues. Took some measurements and here is what I come up with:

Converter pilot length total: .500''
Converter pilot length past pads: .0250"

Dish flexplate + no spacer = pilot into the crank ~.125" which just barely hits the taper
.250"(length of pilot past pads) -.125" (flexplate thickness)

Dish flexplate + spacer = pilot bottoms out on the converter, pushes converter into the pump, and has ~.150 gap between the converter pads and flexplate

spacer + flat flexplate = pilot bottoms out on the converter, will likely push the converter into the pump, and has a .025 to .50 gap between the converter pads and flexplate

No .400" spacer of any kind on the pilot will work because of this bastard on the converter:


So to machine this spacer to the proper SBC spec of .250" of the pilot into the crank(which is half of the total snout length), then I would have to machine a spacer that is the thickness of the flexplate(.125") and fits WITHIN the hub of the flexplate. Even then I will have only .125" of spacer, and .125" on tapered crank area that contact the pilot. Which isn't right IMO.

Coincidentally, the guy who listed the TCI part number above(http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TCI-399753/) does exaclty that. Except it cost more then my torque converter.

So, thats what I get for assuming most sbc torque converters would fit with the spacer method that was previously used.........

kelsey_canard

iTrader: (6)

OK, I'm a little aggravated since every penny I've ever spent on a torque converter has brought me issues. Took some measurements and here is what I come up with:

Converter pilot length total: .500''
Converter pilot length past pads: .0250"

Dish flexplate + no spacer = pilot into the crank ~.125" which just barely hits the taper
.250"(length of pilot past pads) -.125" (flexplate thickness)

Dish flexplate + spacer = pilot bottoms out on the converter, pushes converter into the pump, and has ~.150 gap between the converter pads and flexplate

spacer + flat flexplate = pilot bottoms out on the converter, will likely push the converter into the pump, and has a .025 to .50 gap between the converter pads and flexplate

No .400" spacer of any kind on the pilot will work because of this bastard on the converter:


So to machine this spacer to the proper SBC spec of .250" of the pilot into the crank(which is half of the total snout length), then I would have to machine a spacer that is the thickness of the flexplate(.125") and fits WITHIN the hub of the flexplate. Even then I will have only .125" of spacer, and .125" on tapered crank area that contact the pilot. Which isn't right IMO.

Coincidentally, the guy who listed the TCI part number above(http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TCI-399753/) does exaclty that. Except it cost more then my torque converter.

So, thats what I get for assuming most sbc torque converters would fit with the spacer method that was previously used.........

Circle-D

iTrader: (21)

One more solution is to weld an extension on the converter pilot, then run the dished flexplate with no spacer. Can you weld?

Chris

kelsey_canard

iTrader: (6)

Yea that wouldn't be an issue. Do you care to tell more about it?

Circle-D

iTrader: (21)

http://www.sonnax.com/parts/1059




Weld this extension from the center of the converter pilot. They are .190 thick, might need two. You can use the crank adapter you have now to center them.

Chris

kelsey_canard

iTrader: (6)

You are absolutely my hero. Thanks for all the help.

Do you have to be a member to order from their site? It doesn't give me a price, and wont allow me to add any to the cart. Also, any other source I may be able to find it from if I cant order directly from sonnax?

Circle-D

iTrader: (21)

I think Sonnax only sells to Converter/Transmission shops. You can call us, we have them in stock.

713-895-8834

Chris

kelsey_canard

iTrader: (6)

Awesome. I'll give you a call tomorrow. Thanks again for the help.

kelsey_canard

iTrader: (6)

Got my parts in from circle d. I'd like to thank them for the service. The service and advice alone was well worth the money. Thanks Chris.

Circle-D

iTrader: (21)

It was our pleasure.... Hopefully it is an easy fix for you. Keep us updated.

Chris

kelsey_canard

iTrader: (6)

Saw I never updated this for you Chris. Everything worked out perfectly, and the new converter took 3/10's off my 60', and has been going strong with the pilot extensions for over a year. Thanks again.

FTICONVERTERS

iTrader: (3)

Awesome results with the FTI converter!

kelsey_canard

iTrader: (6)

Been very happy with the budget converter.

G-BODY-JAMES

iTrader: (1)