Automatic Transmission 2-Speed thru 10-Speed GM Autos | Converters | Shift Kits
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Ls1 to th350 issue

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 18, 2024 | 07:39 AM
  #1  
Cbach's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default Ls1 to th350 issue

So I have an ls1 and a freshly rebuilt th350 with a Hughes 4500 stall converter I’m having an issue with the converter being to tight to the spacer and causing binding issues and I’d like to not worry about hurting my thrust bearing or trans pump I’m using a dished flex plate with the spacer and I’ve already taken .300 off of the spacer and I still have the issue I’d rather not buy another converter specific as I’ve already spent $1100 on the one I have now as of now the converter is all the way engaged to the trans but it’s also tight to the spacer so there is no room for movement for the converter to actually do its job anyone been through this before and have a remedy

Reply
Old Mar 18, 2024 | 10:09 AM
  #2  
FTICONVERTERS's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,376
Likes: 96
From: Deland, FL
Default

Pull the converter back out and post photos of the converter pilot(piece that goes into the crank), pics of the flexplate where the converter goes in, and the adapter sleeve itself.

Also did you tighten the transmission to the block like this? If so were you able to get the case up against the block first or did you have draw it in?
__________________
FTI COMPETITION CONVERTERS AND TRANSMISSIONS
"IT'S NOT CHEATING, IT'S THE COMPETITIVE EDGE."
1-866-726-8358
info@ftiperformance.com
FTIPerformance.com
FTI Converter build sheet

Reply
Old Mar 18, 2024 | 10:09 AM
  #3  
MaroonMonsterLS1's Avatar
TECH Junkie
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,614
Likes: 1,326
From: Iowa
Default

Are you sure you need the spacer at all?
If you leave the spacer out and pull the converter up to the flexplate does it engage the pilot?
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2024 | 11:24 AM
  #4  
Cbach's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default

I’m not sure weather or not I need the spacer I believe that I do where it’s an ls1 and the converter is for a sbc. As for putting the trans in the bell housing was able to line right up but I havnt tightened it all the way down yet just set the bolts in and started the threads but I noticed binding so I stopped there I will have everything apart this evening and put some pictures on this thread
also how would I know if it’s engaged the pilot?






Last edited by Cbach; Mar 18, 2024 at 02:37 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2024 | 07:01 PM
  #5  
Tranzman's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 677
Likes: 490
From: Roxana, IL
Default

Typically when pushing the converter up to the engine the converter hangs slightly. When it goes into the back if the crank it lifts the engine side of the converter slightly. That can be felt as a bump as it pushes into the hub...
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2024 | 07:21 AM
  #6  
MaroonMonsterLS1's Avatar
TECH Junkie
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,614
Likes: 1,326
From: Iowa
Default

Hard to tell from your photo, but I'll mention it in case some other reader stumbles upon this thread in the future

SOME th350 have an issue with converter fitment due to the input shaft on the transmission.
SOME th350 (model year variations) got a longer chamfer on the end of the input shaft. That has the possibility of bottoming out inside of some aftermarket converters, especially billet front converters.
If this happens, you won't have proper converter clearance. And all sorts of issues will arise.

To check this, simply install the converter into the transmission and measure from the face of the bellhousing back to the converter bolt pads.
You should have over 1"
1-1/16" would be ideal

If you don't have over 1"...you do not have the converter to the proper depth
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:20 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE