Converter to flexplate gap

[Roger]

Getting ready to put the Powerglide & torque converter onto the back of my small block Chevy and flexplate. With the convertor pushed all the way into the transmission, how much is the maximum you can safely pull it back out to meet the flexplate/shims? Somewhere in the back of my mind the number 3/16” comes to mind but I’m not sure.

[32bantam]

1/8" to 3/16"

[bikeguy307]

Steve is spot on!!

[Roger]

Thanks guys!

[Roger]

Finally got the engine/convertor/glide in the car and measured the distance my convertor slides out to meet the flexplate. With one Grade 8 washer 0.060” thick between the flexplate pads and the convertor, I can pull the convertor out of the trans about .035” more than 3/16”. Is this is still too much movement out or will this spacing work fine, what’s your thoughts? Just trying to get it right the first time.

[coupemerc]

My thoughts are you have too much clearance. Look up aluminum unthreaded spacers on the McMaster Carr website and get .125" thick spacers.

[bikeguy307]

Ok you have .035 gap with a .060 spacer for a total or .095? 1/8 to 3/16 is .125 to .187. This would put you .030 to tight. Are there spacers welded to your converter?

[Roger]

Sorry guys, I wasn’t clear so let me start again. With the convertor pushed all the way into the trans, there is a space of right at 0.285 between the convertor and the flexplate. So if I slip a flat Grade 8 washer of 0.060” thickness in between the flexplate and the convertor then the convertor will only have to slide out 0.225”. That’s 0.038” more than 3/16” (0.1875). Will that little extra coming out of the trans and pump gear tangs be a problem? I could always use a thicker flat spacer like coupemerc suggested.

[bikeguy307]

3/16 is max, definitely go with a thicker spacer to get to or under the 3/16 gap.

[Roger]

Think I’ve got it covered. While looking at coupemercs link, I thought about ARP and some of its washers so looked them up next. Found two washers with the same ID and OD as I need, one .120” and one .150” thick. Either will put me between 1/8” and 3/16” pullout so I’ve ordered some of both. Thanks Dan and coupemerc for the help, thanks Glenn and sponsors for the site.

[bikeguy307]

No problem, it's what this site is all about.