#1  
Old 03-29-2021, 09:04 AM
Mr Anonymous's Avatar
Mr Anonymous Mr Anonymous is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Waynesville, OH
Posts: 394
Default Torque Converter Spacer info needed please

Changing converters in my car to test a different setup, and this new converter sits back to far from the flexplate.

With converter fully seated in the transmission (TH400 with Ultrabell, and NO mid plate), I have to slide the converter forward 0.400" to bolt up to the flexplate. I know there is no flexplate or trans issue, since the previous converter didn't have this much room. I am going from a 9.5" to an 8" converter.

Since .400" is obviously too much, how much spacer does it need? .125? .250?

I understand putting a spacer between the converter lugs and the flexplate. Does the spacer for the center of the converter go into the crank first during installation, or is it attached to the converter?

I have zero experience using converter spacers, looking forward to your info.

__________________
Clutch Guys Matter
_______________________________________
53 Studebaker, 400P/th400/9"
64 F-85
72 4-4-2 Mondello's VO Twister II
84 Hurst/Olds #2449
87 Cutlass Salon
54 Olds 88 sedan
  #2  
Old 03-29-2021, 09:37 AM
PAUL K's Avatar
PAUL K PAUL K is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Sugar Grove IL USA
Posts: 6,283
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Anonymous View Post
Changing converters in my car to test a different setup, and this new converter sits back to far from the flexplate.

With converter fully seated in the transmission (TH400 with Ultrabell, and NO mid plate), I have to slide the converter forward 0.400" to bolt up to the flexplate. I know there is no flexplate or trans issue, since the previous converter didn't have this much room. I am going from a 9.5" to an 8" converter.

Since .400" is obviously too much, how much spacer does it need? .125? .250?

I understand putting a spacer between the converter lugs and the flexplate. Does the spacer for the center of the converter go into the crank first during installation, or is it attached to the converter?

I have zero experience using converter spacers, looking forward to your info.
After you adjust the clutch I think .125 is the text book number. I would split the difference wanting to make sure the converter engages the pump enough. As long as the hub of the converter slides into the crank enough to center things you should be good to go.

Is this on the VO Twister?

__________________
Go fast, see Elvis!
www.facebook.com/PaulKnippensMuscleMotors
  #3  
Old 03-29-2021, 09:54 AM
Mr Anonymous's Avatar
Mr Anonymous Mr Anonymous is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Waynesville, OH
Posts: 394
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by PAUL K View Post

Is this on the VO Twister?
No, its for a 64 Olds F-85 backhalf car that I ran, then sold as a roller to do the Twister, then bought back last fall. Now I am putting it back together, but throwing more converter in it. My old one stalled at 4600, I am hoping for 55-5700 out of this one. The car with the old converter went 9.93@136, leaving with the two step on 3700. The engine is a diesel block 350, bored .193 over to 4.250, filled, and has a 4.00 crank out of a 425. Edelbrock heads, intake goes 330. 14:1, 280/285@0.050, .835/.790. 4.57 gear and 31" tire.

The Twister still isnt finished. It has a decent 455, powerglide, and a tiny converter that looks like someone welded a snout on a bagel.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	24x36.jpg
Views:	164
Size:	69.5 KB
ID:	563632  

__________________
Clutch Guys Matter
_______________________________________
53 Studebaker, 400P/th400/9"
64 F-85
72 4-4-2 Mondello's VO Twister II
84 Hurst/Olds #2449
87 Cutlass Salon
54 Olds 88 sedan
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Mr Anonymous For This Useful Post:
  #4  
Old 03-29-2021, 11:00 AM
potentpontiac's Avatar
potentpontiac potentpontiac is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 744
Default

3/16" is good on turbo 400. I use a drill bit to Gauge.

The Following User Says Thank You to potentpontiac For This Useful Post:
  #5  
Old 03-30-2021, 08:43 AM
67Fbird's Avatar
67Fbird 67Fbird is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: GA
Posts: 465
Default

might recommend measuring how deep the pump drive slots are .... I would utilize as much spacer needed to allow the converter movement to be <.125"
So for your .400"...a .312 +/- a little....
With it that far off the flexplate... does the nose of the converter engage the crank? I would check the pump drive tangs to see how much bite you CAN get

  #6  
Old 03-30-2021, 09:21 AM
Elarson's Avatar
Elarson Elarson is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Dayton, OH
Posts: 2,800
Default

Can't resist a small sidebar. We strived for diversity on the Boss Bird team. (2) Pontiac guys, an Oldsmobile guy, a Ford guy and a kid with a Honda.



Eric

__________________
"Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth" noted philosopher Mike Tyson

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

“The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.”
  #7  
Old 03-30-2021, 09:42 AM
Bill Eveland's Avatar
Bill Eveland Bill Eveland is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Glasford Il
Posts: 3,650
Default

I extended my own converter, i used large grade 8 washers and took them down to the 1.7 o.d. for the snout and welded them on from the hole in the middle.
I tried using an adapter they make for an ls engine that has a 1.7 i.d. but it was too long, but worked out great to center the washers on the converter, its worked out great with no issues. Probably a good 1/4" added on. And with welding on the inside, if i ever decide to remove spacers , wont affect outside surface of the snout
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	20200426_174900.jpg
Views:	193
Size:	53.2 KB
ID:	563681   Click image for larger version

Name:	20200426_153747.jpg
Views:	207
Size:	91.6 KB
ID:	563682  

__________________
Illinois Outlaw Gassers

6.27@107
9.97@131

Last edited by Bill Eveland; 03-30-2021 at 10:16 AM.
The Following User Says Thank You to Bill Eveland For This Useful Post:
  #8  
Old 03-30-2021, 10:07 AM
Mr Anonymous's Avatar
Mr Anonymous Mr Anonymous is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Waynesville, OH
Posts: 394
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Eveland View Post
I extended my own converter, i used large grade 8 washers and took them down to the 1.7 o.d. for the snout and welded them on from the hole in the middle.
I tried using an adapter they make for an ls engine that has a 1.7 i.d. but it was too long, but worked out great to center the washers on the converter, its worked out great with no issiea. Probably a good 1/4" added on. And with welding on the inside, if i ever decide to remove spacers , wont affect outside surface of the snout
once you were done, what was your converter to flexplate clearance with the converter fully seated?

__________________
Clutch Guys Matter
_______________________________________
53 Studebaker, 400P/th400/9"
64 F-85
72 4-4-2 Mondello's VO Twister II
84 Hurst/Olds #2449
87 Cutlass Salon
54 Olds 88 sedan
  #9  
Old 03-30-2021, 10:15 AM
Bill Eveland's Avatar
Bill Eveland Bill Eveland is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Glasford Il
Posts: 3,650
Default

around 5/16 I believe. im using a midplate so used one of the spacers cut out from it and a thin hardened washer

__________________
Illinois Outlaw Gassers

6.27@107
9.97@131
  #10  
Old 03-30-2021, 03:10 PM
DiamondJim's Avatar
DiamondJim DiamondJim is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Peachtree City, Ga.
Posts: 3,389
Default

Recommendation is 1/8” minimum to 3/16 maximum so if you have 5/16 “ you need 1/8” spacer/washer.

  #11  
Old 05-27-2021, 02:11 PM
Mr Anonymous's Avatar
Mr Anonymous Mr Anonymous is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Waynesville, OH
Posts: 394
Default

Forgot to "circle back" to this thread. I solved the problem last week, using the TCI kit and figured out what the directions intended versus what was written. Should any of you be running a fairly expensive TCI converter and run into this particular problem, hit me up. I can save you a ton of time and aggravation.

__________________
Clutch Guys Matter
_______________________________________
53 Studebaker, 400P/th400/9"
64 F-85
72 4-4-2 Mondello's VO Twister II
84 Hurst/Olds #2449
87 Cutlass Salon
54 Olds 88 sedan
  #12  
Old 05-27-2021, 04:09 PM
AG's Avatar
AG AG is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: NH
Posts: 3,240
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DiamondJim View Post
Recommendation is 1/8” minimum to 3/16 maximum so if you have 5/16 “ you need 1/8” spacer/washer.
This is what guidance i use. I put parallel ground hardened washers in for spacers.

__________________
1967 Firechicken, 499", Edl heads, 262/266@0.050" duration and 0.627"/0.643 lift SR cam, 3.90 gear, 28" tire, 3550#. 10.01@134.3 mph with a 1.45 60'. Still WAY under the rollbar rule.
  #13  
Old 06-01-2021, 08:04 AM
Mr Anonymous's Avatar
Mr Anonymous Mr Anonymous is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Waynesville, OH
Posts: 394
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Anonymous View Post
I understand putting a spacer between the converter lugs and the flexplate. Does the spacer for the center of the converter go into the crank first during installation, or is it attached to the converter?
For future reference and Googling purposes, the TCI converter pilot spacer business is as such:
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	output_image1622548732494.jpg
Views:	125
Size:	48.4 KB
ID:	567559   Click image for larger version

Name:	output_image1622548749201.jpg
Views:	127
Size:	38.0 KB
ID:	567560   Click image for larger version

Name:	output_image1622548769589.jpg
Views:	135
Size:	64.0 KB
ID:	567561  

__________________
Clutch Guys Matter
_______________________________________
53 Studebaker, 400P/th400/9"
64 F-85
72 4-4-2 Mondello's VO Twister II
84 Hurst/Olds #2449
87 Cutlass Salon
54 Olds 88 sedan
  #14  
Old 06-01-2021, 12:27 PM
67Fbird's Avatar
67Fbird 67Fbird is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: GA
Posts: 465
Default

ah...good to know...their pilot already has a band on it....just swap it for a taller one! yes good to know

Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:05 AM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017