custm2500

iTrader: (11)

I am having the 60e in my Tahoe rebuilt. I have an 3200 FTI converter with around 3000 miles. I was planning on getting stock replacement from the tranny guy. He has been doing transmissions for 30 years and seems to truly know what he is talking about.

I asked him if he had a converter guy so that I could have the converter cut and cleaned. He said the common practice now event at the shop he works at is to drill an 1/8" hole in the converter, flush it with parts washer solvent. Then weld the small hole shut.

What is your guys thoughts on this? The converter was acting fine but I only had 1st and 2nd gear, that is why it is being rebuilt.

duh

iTrader: (16)

A 1.8" hole is not a small hole in a converter. But I wouldn't like that idea just in case something chewed up the lockup clutch. Personally I'd find someone that will open and inspect it. Maybe call FTI and see what it would cost just to have it freshened and go from there. Better safe then sorry and have to replace both in 6 mo cause something was left in there.

djsanchez2

iTrader: (14)

wait 1/8" or 1.8" (nearly 2 inch) hole?

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

eh your getting your tranny rebuilt and your going to add a flushed converter to it?

what if you contaminate your fresh transmission with particles and crap? not worth it if it were me.

FTICONVERTERS

iTrader: (3)

We do not recommend doing it that way. There are a lot of risks that way and its not the most effective way to get all of the metal shavings out of the converter. We can do a cut, clean, and weld for $159 and you're guarenteed to be ready to go right back in the rebuilt tranny. Call us at 1-866-726-8358

Thanks,
Champ

duh

iTrader: (16)

^ that is your best solution right there. Cheap enough and worth every bit of insurance with a newly built trans.

custm2500

iTrader: (11)

I don't have the $159 plus shipping. I am unemployed currently and getting the trans done by scraping every last penny I have togather.

He can get me a stock replacement for just under $100.

custm2500

iTrader: (11)

1/8" hole sorry my finger was one key off the first time. That is a huge differance!!!! duh hahaha

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

even more of a reason to do it the right way.. if your trans goes down then your car will go down for a long time.. I understand your situation because I've been there before but if it were me I would wait a couple of weeks, sell some stuff on ebay or craigslist and gather the $160 and do it right..

mrvedit

^^^ +1
There are a bunch of sad stories here about people paying good money for a rebuilt trans and then skipping cleaning the converter (and replacing the trans cooler). The result is a quickly failing trans and a looooong time before the car is on the road again.

Now, if there was absolutely no metal in the old trans filter and oil pan, and the mechanic will give you a written guarantee for the trans and converter combo, then you might consider that. Still risky though.

custm2500

iTrader: (11)

I am getting a killer deal on the trans rebuild. We all know that knowing the right people is how you build a $50,000 race car on a working man's budget!

I am still debating on what way to go. I fully understand the risk.

I was dead set on him getting me a stock replacement till he have me the advice. If he will warent the trans rebuild for a reasonable time I will probably clean and install the converter. IF not I will certainly get the stock replacement.