Help Needed Installing 700R4 - Gap Between Converter and Flexplate?

[Michael Bennett]

Hi Guys,

Throwing a 700R4 in the '80 Malibu so we can hopefully leave on Wed to hit the Indy and Fort Wayne stops on Power Tour. Replacing the TH350 behind the 400 small block Chevy. Everything seemed fine until I went to bolt the torque converter to the flex plate. I have a normal seeming gap between the two with the converter pushed all the way in, but with the converter toward the flexplate as far as it will go there is still an 1/8" ish gap. I can put the bolts in and tighten them up, but it just bends the flexplate. Should I pull the trans and see if something could be stopping the torque converter from going all the way into the crankshaft? I've never heard of this issue before. Could I have the wrong torque converter for my 400 somehow? It's the one the trans shop sold me and everything else seems right. It went into the trans the requisite 3 clunks. I read something about putting washers between the flexplate and torque converter but that seems sketchy to me.

Any ideas?

 

[455'ed80Regal]

You want .080-.125 converter travel from fully seated against the pump. Shim with washers to take up the rest of the distance. Washers must be same thickness.

 

[Michael Bennett]

Okay, I have the proper travel, but then the converter doesn't touch the flexplate. It's normal to use washers to take up the void between the converter and flexplate?

 

[Injectedcutty]

Okay, I have the proper travel, but then the converter doesn't touch the flexplate. It's normal to use washers to take up the void between the converter and flexplate?

You can use washers, but as mentioned make sure they are identical. I'd recommend SAE thru hardened washers as they are automotive grade with a smaller OD, and usually the thickness is spot on.