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Coverter Install At Home?

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Old Nov 1, 2006 | 01:29 PM
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Default Coverter Install At Home?

Are there any "hidden nightmares" to installing a Converter yourself? Is it just like doing one in an older car exept being more cramped? We have done converters in older cars, and have access to a lift....any input? Thanks.
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Old Nov 1, 2006 | 02:33 PM
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i'm contremplating doing this myself..heres a write-up on hwo to do it. Link
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Old Nov 1, 2006 | 02:42 PM
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It is easy just make sure you get the converter hub all the way on the pump. Measure it for accuracy.
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Old Nov 1, 2006 | 02:43 PM
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and the ls1's 'verters will "click" 3x while your pushing it on. and make sure you are spinning it while pushing it on.
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Old Nov 1, 2006 | 02:59 PM
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wont necesarily "click" but you could feel 3 grooves. my new converter was so tight that i never felt anything, but we conformed that we had it seated all the way down to the hub.
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Old Nov 1, 2006 | 03:31 PM
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yeah thats why i said "click"...you hear that click when it goes from groove to groove.
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Old Nov 1, 2006 | 04:06 PM
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I have never heard thes clicks eveyone talks about. Measure from the bell housing the to bolt hole on the front cover should be about 1" to 1 1/8" of clearance
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Old Nov 1, 2006 | 05:38 PM
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maybe we should say "clunks". thats kinda more accurate.
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Old Nov 1, 2006 | 06:24 PM
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Be sure to get the car jacked up as high as you can. The trans fluid filler tube is a pain sometimes. Disconnecting the fluid lines isn't much fun either.

The tranny doesn't have to come all the way out from under the car. Leave the tranny on the jack and just slide it back enough to make the TC swap. Add at least 1 quart of fluid to the TC a day or so before installing it also. You do not want to start one dry.

Double check and triple check that the converter is in all the way before attempting to bolt it all back together and use lock tite on the TC bolt threads.

FWIW- This is also a good time to install a new flexplate. Even if you don't plan on replacing it, look yours over REAL good before bolting it all back up. They are known to crack.

An extra set of eyes is always a good thing to have before you start going back together with it.

Good luck!
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 02:36 PM
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Ok. Sounds good to me. Next thing...what stall should I steer him towards? The car is a Daily Driver that in total will have a mild cam, Like a HotCam or TR224..It has 3.73 gears, and a few light bolt ons. I know its a VERY broad queastion. Just curious of what size stalls you guys like? And to make sure I understand you correct...If I have less than an 1" clearance from the bellhousing to the front cover it must not be in all the way?
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 02:42 PM
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Yank ST3500 rocks, but they don't make they anymore. The SS3600 would be ideal IMO. He will want more converter when he gets this one installed, so don't make the mistake of shooting low and buying a 3000-3200 stall.

Do it right the first time .....ask me how I know

Good luck!
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by TXCAMSS
Yank ST3500 rocks, but they don't make they anymore. The SS3600 would be ideal IMO. He will want more converter when he gets this one installed, so don't make the mistake of shooting low and buying a 3000-3200 stall.

Do it right the first time .....ask me how I know

Good luck!

I run the Yank SS3600 and it is AWSOME. feels great and never a bit of trouble. Thats right, do it right the first time!!!
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Old Nov 2, 2006 | 02:54 PM
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Oh Im also on a stock trans with a shift kit and I put it in in my garage. A trans jack makes it a nice, picked one up at Harbor Freight.
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Old Nov 3, 2006 | 03:06 PM
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I am in the middle of doing this now. It's not that bad.
I do need to start taking more pics.
http://rides.webshots.com/album/555266906oylIfR

If the trans is level you will not spill any trans fluid at all.
I did find that my rear main seal was leaking so that has delayed the "test run" yet another day.

Btw, I never heard any "click" noises putting my TC on. I think my TC is still about 1/8" too far out though. It will not spin freely after mating the trans up because it hits the flexplate bolt holes. I must have a bad spline or something giving me problems on the last "click". Damn!!

Oh yeah, doing a 3400 lock up. 2.4 STR.
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Old Nov 3, 2006 | 04:02 PM
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You should have 3/16-1/4" of clearance once you mate the bellhousing to the block. You should need to pop the converter forward. If this isn't the case STOP, pull the TC off and start over or have someone else take a shot at it. If you don't, it's gonna get expensive real quick.

Measure, measure and then re-measure

Good luck!
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Old Nov 3, 2006 | 05:47 PM
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were can we get new flexplates for us
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Old Nov 3, 2006 | 06:23 PM
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measure, sometimes you cant hear/feel the "clicks"
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