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Old Nov 23, 2008 | 10:01 PM
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Default LS1 to Turbo 400

Im putting a turbo 400 behind my LS1 in an S-10. I bought the spacer I was told to use to take up the space differance but do I need a differant flexplate or will the stock one work. will the starter still engage the flexplate when its spaced out with the spacer or do I have to do something there. Last I dont have a torque converter yet and was wondering will a after market 35-4200 conv have the same bolt patter as the stock flexplate out of ls1 auto camaro or do I have to drill new holes ect.

Thanks for any help.
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Old Nov 23, 2008 | 10:12 PM
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I think I just found what I needed at the top of the forum but from what Im reading the spacer goes on the outside of the flexplate not in between the crank and flexplate thats why the starter still lines up. So im guesing Ill have to then shim the converter to the flexplate still to make up the space between the the 3 converter bolts and the flexplate?

Last edited by DTPerformance; Nov 23, 2008 at 10:29 PM.
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Old Nov 23, 2008 | 11:02 PM
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Calling that part a spacer is a bit of a misnomer.
It doesn't space anything. It's more of an extension of the cup at the back of the crank.
The reason you need it is because LS1 converters have a longer crank pilot on the converter.
Theres not going to be any unusual space anywhere if it's all installed properly.

But do yourself a huge favor, before you put the trans up to the engine take the converter by itself and hold it up to the flexplate.

Make sure the converter pilot engages into the 'spacer' at least 1/8" before the converter bolt pads touch.

And just make sure everything else looks ok, bolt holes match, etc.
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Old Nov 23, 2008 | 11:14 PM
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Where did you get the correct parts to install the LS1 to the Th400??

Thanks,
Chris
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Old Nov 24, 2008 | 02:04 AM
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Originally Posted by cabech984
Where did you get the correct parts to install the LS1 to the Th400??

Thanks,
Chris
Get the TCI flexplate which bolts to the LS1 crank and bolts directly to a standard th350/400 converter. BMR makes a sick tubular trans crossmember with or without an adjustable torque arm mount.

I made my own cooler lines, but I want to go to -6 lines with AN fittings and a better cooler when I have the trans gone through again.

I'm still using the stock shifter as well. If you use the stock shifter, you don't have to cut/splice any wires.
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Old Nov 24, 2008 | 07:15 AM
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not sure what parts you have-the engines that had 4l80e's used a .400 spacer bet the flywheel and crank (flat flywheel) and longer bolts-this setup works for 350, 400, 700r, 4l80e trans
the "curved" flywheel uses a spacer, or adapter if you wanna call it that, bet the flywheel and converter for the above trans-there are converters also avail that use the curved flywheel and have a built in snout that doesnt need an adapter
seems the same starter is used for all-GM lists some diff starters, used to offer only rebuilt from the dealer-i bought a junkyard one, pulled it apart and greased it (important to make it spin faster)
so depending on the flywheel you use, what spacer you need-and donr forget to redrill (match up) converter bolt holes to the flywheel b4 install, easier to redrill off the car
i run the flat flywheel, with the .400 spacer bet the crank and flywheel and a turbo 400, no problems
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Old Nov 24, 2008 | 09:12 AM
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If you have this type of adapter the flexplate goes on first, then this adapter. The side shown goes against the flexplate.
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Old Nov 24, 2008 | 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by 9000th01ss
If you have this type of adapter the flexplate goes on first, then this adapter. The side shown goes against the flexplate.

Yes this is the one I have. So with this a normal th350-400 conv with bolt right up with the stock flexplate correct. only reason Im asking that is I dont have the conv yet.
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Old Nov 24, 2008 | 10:56 AM
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Originally Posted by forcd ind
not sure what parts you have-the engines that had 4l80e's used a .400 spacer bet the flywheel and crank (flat flywheel) and longer bolts-this setup works for 350, 400, 700r, 4l80e trans
the "curved" flywheel uses a spacer, or adapter if you wanna call it that, bet the flywheel and converter for the above trans-there are converters also avail that use the curved flywheel and have a built in snout that doesnt need an adapter
seems the same starter is used for all-GM lists some diff starters, used to offer only rebuilt from the dealer-i bought a junkyard one, pulled it apart and greased it (important to make it spin faster)
so depending on the flywheel you use, what spacer you need-and donr forget to redrill (match up) converter bolt holes to the flywheel b4 install, easier to redrill off the car
i run the flat flywheel, with the .400 spacer bet the crank and flywheel and a turbo 400, no problems
I also have the curved flywheel with the part in the picture above so that will work with a reg th350-400 conv correct. just got to check and maybe drill the conv bolt holes?

Last edited by DTPerformance; Nov 24, 2008 at 11:31 AM.
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Old Nov 24, 2008 | 11:12 AM
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If you don't have a convertor yet, just order one one made to mate to the LS1. You won't need any special spacers at all.
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Old Nov 24, 2008 | 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by LS1MCSS
If you don't have a convertor yet, just order one one made to mate to the LS1. You won't need any special spacers at all.
I could but I already have the flywheel and the adapter so all I should need is a reg 350-400 conv I think and if that is the case theres alot out there used for good deals and changing differant stalls would be easy and cheaper to find for a reg 350-400
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Old Sep 29, 2009 | 11:41 PM
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Originally Posted by LS1MCSS
If you don't have a convertor yet, just order one one made to mate to the LS1. You won't need any special spacers at all.
this is what i did. will I need longer bolts for a 5.3(I think thats the curved flexplate?
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