I just got back my stage II 4L60E and a new Vig converter. The gap between the converter flange and the flywheel is .220" so I need to install some washers. Any tips on the best way to do this? There is very limited access compared to a normal SBC and it looks like I'll have to try to position the washers with a magnet through the access hole in the bottom of the bellhousing while starting the converter bolts through the starter area or try to glue 'em onto the converter to hold them in place in order to get the bolts started. Aren't our cars fun to work on

 

try super glue or grease to hold them in place

 

or masking tape and cut out the bolt hole

 

Got it done. I made up some washers with a 1.2" O.D. and that gave me enough washer hanging out to use a magnet- it went easy.

 

Washers? For what?

I would not run washers between the converter and flexplate.

 

When I installed the new Vigilante converter, there was .220" between the mounting pads on the converter and the flexplate with the converter fully engaged on the input shaft. Precision Industries recommends .063" to .125". They state to use washers to bring the gap down if the gap is over .125" (I assume that this is to keep the splines fully engaged with the input shaft). I had to do this on my Nova a couple years back- the gap was excessive and I didn't use washers so the trans would always make a squealing sound 'till I put the washers in.

 

As long as the converter center hub is still in the crank with the washers it will be fine. Some converters now come with washers and a spacer to go over the hub to use with a mid plate. I would want to check the torque on those bolts after a few passes though just to be safe.