Torque converter question, maybe the wrong room?

[janjon]

Anyway, putting the FED back together, paying more attention during reassembly, evidently, I notice that the converter will slide something like 3/8" behind where it will pull up to the flexplate to bolt it up, and can see from wear marks that the converter nose has been run not very far engaged into the transmission pump inner gear. It looks to me like some spacers between the converter drive pads and the flexplate surface might be in order to sufficiently engage the inner gear of the trans pump with the slots in the converter nose. There is 1/4" thick motor plate between the block and trans, I'm thinking that 1/4" or so of spacer should put the converter just about where it should be. Any thoughts???
SBC, shorty glide, if that makes any difference...

[GlennLever]

I went through this very same situation.

I received strong advice that you want to fully engage the pump and not to do so is bad news.

Spacers were made up



And inserted between the flex plate and the converter.



I have had no problems.

[ricardo1967]

Just be careful because some race converters already have that thickness added to the converter mounts.

[George]

Yes.

[janjon]

In which case there would be little or no room for spacers, is that correct? To be clear, the engine and trans are already mated, tightened, and in the chassis. The converter is not bolted to the flexplate yet. Should there be room for ANY rearward play once spacers are installed? To keep from forcing the inner pump gear back against its rear containment wall, for instance? And if so, how much?
 Thanks to all of you for the advice and assistance.

[GlennLever]

I would want an 1/8 of play between the flex plate and torque converter with the spacers.

Remember the the motor plates can flex on launch with out blow back tubes. You do not want the torque converter to bottom out on the launch.

I am just repeating what I have been told.

[George]

I would contact the convertor builder.

[AF150]

I believe 1/8" would be max....060" would be min.

[LZ]

Gents:
May I add. Its a good idea to check the alignment from the crank CL (coaxial) with respect to the tranny CL. All you need to do is to put a Mag base on the flex plate, flywheel , set an indicator up and indicate off the main shaft as close as possible to seal . This should be especially  thought about if your using and adapter plate.  Remember years ago when they sold offset dowels to indicate in your scatter shield??!  Just a good idea to check and alleviate the problems it would cause.
As far as the converter spacing this is another to keep a close eye on as you run into buildup tolerance issues so its a case by case basis.
Different combos will have different dynamics but in general the different tranny people are close in recommendations.
Heres a nice PDF from Coan that has some nice info.
Take care, race safe.
Luke

[GlennLever]

Gents:
May I add. Its a good idea to check the alignment from the crank CL (coaxial) with respect to the tranny CL. All you need to do is to put a Mag base on the flex plate, flywheel , set an indicator up and indicate off the main shaft as close as possible to seal . This should be especially  thought about if your using and adapter plate.  Remember years ago when they sold offset dowels to indicate in your scatter shield??!  Just a good idea to check and alleviate the problems it would cause.
As far as the converter spacing this is another to keep a close eye on as you run into buildup tolerance issues so its a case by case basis.
Different combos will have different dynamics but in general the different tranny people are close in recommendations.
Heres a nice PDF from Coan that has some nice info.
Take care, race safe.
Luke

Luke, missed you at the track yesterday and today.

[LZ]

Hiya Glenn:
Thanks for thinking of me. How did the new Friday deal work out??
Thanks for the work on the swap met last week. Worked out OK, .
see ya
LZ

[janjon]

Thanks, all for the responses. I shall proceed accordingly. Except for indicating the crankshaft / input shaft coaxiality. Too late for that...