Automatic Transmission - 6L80 convertor conflict

I haven't asked a dumb question for a while so I guess I'm overdue.

So I have an LS3 out of a 2010 Camaro and a 6L80 trans out of a different Camaro. The engine was originally backed by a manual. Why does it seem like the stock convertor is too long? Are the cranks different? The flywheel and starter seem to line up right so I don't think I have the wrong flywheel. What am I missing here?

I've had this engine and trans sitting around for a while and never really tried to put them together before. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Did you pull the pilot bearing out of the crank?

Did you pull the pilot bearing out of the crank?

Um no. That would fix it? How do I get that out? Ok, now I have exceeded my limit on dumb questions.

What exactly do you mean by the converter being "too long"? If you try to bolt the transmission to the engine do the pads of the converter make contact with the flex plate before the bell housing makes contact with the block? Or, do the converter pads not make contact with the flex plate AND the bell housing does not make contact with the block? If its the latter there is a snout on the front of the converter that fits into the end of the crank which "centers" the converter so it spins true with the crank. If the engine originally had a manual transmission behind it the pilot bearing needs to be removed in order for the snout on the converter to slide into the end of the crank.
http://ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/manual-transmission/290300d1302744039-can-you-use-2001-fbody-t56-2009-ls3-crank-pilot-bearing-09-ls3-rear-crank-2.jpg
The brown piece in the end of the crank is the pilot bearing. You will need a puller to remove it.
http://redshift.homestead.com/ScottClutch/Pilot_Bearing_Bore.jpg
This is what it should look like once the pilot bearing has been removed. Note: In this pic the manual flywheel is still bolted to the crank but you get the idea.

Clearly I’m showing my inexperience here. I was just roughing this up on the garage floor before wrestling it together under the car. So I was just trying to bolt up the flexplate, starter and convertor to see if I can install the engine that way. This is when I noticed that the convertor wouldn’t bolt up since the snout seemed like it was too long. Obviously hitting the old pilot bearing. Had no idea I was going to need to take that out.

I watched a youtube video that showed taking it out with grease. Is this the most common way?

Thanks,
Jay

A slide arm puller should work to get the pilot bearing out. Also make sure when you go to install the trans you stab the converter into the trans and then bolt it up to the engine. Do not install the converter onto the motor first, it has to be installed on the trans first... It is a common rookie mistake, so just making sure it is clear.

Chris

Just when I thought I had cornered the market on rookie mistakes. Thanks Chris!

Maybe I should post all my boneheaded ideas on here first. lol

Thanks again!

Jay

Do not try to force the bearing out by packing grease behind it. There is a plug in the end of the crank (looks like a freeze plug) that you will end up pushing into the crankcase. You can see the plug in the second pic. I posted.

My secrete is out; I'm a dumbass. Thanks everyone, I got it out. And guess what? The convertor fits right on now. As soon as you guys asked if the bearing was still in there, I knew what was up. But at least for once, this one didn't cost me any money.

I was going to put the engine in with the starter already attached, but now I assume that's where I'm going to be installing the convertor bolts thru?

Anything else I haven't thought of yet, that a rookie like me should know as I mate these two together?

Thanks,
Jay

Just when I thought I had cornered the market on rookie mistakes. Thanks Chris!

Maybe I should post all my boneheaded ideas on here first. lol

Thanks again!

Jay
Some bonehead ideas are better left at home than told to the world. :secret2: