[BMRIde85]

I have an important question for anyone that can help,I have installed a new 2004r trans with a new torque converter onto my chevy small block engine, a speed shop I have been dealing with had asked me if I have shimmed the converter, I said what? They are telling me that when the trans and the converter are bolted to the engine I am to go under the car and push the converter in toward the trans more, and there should be some clearance between the flywheel and the converter mounting bolt holes,then I should install a washer or a shim on the bolt holes to bring it away from the flywheel a little this will therefore prevent me from tearing up my thrust bearing,I have never heard of this before, and have never had this problem before, can someone elaborate on this subject. Iam at a total loss on this one

[airworld2]

too much clearance between flywheel and torque converter will pull converter out pump gear and break the pump gear.that will cost you another tranny in some case's at the least another converter and pump. most 200r4 and 700 have alot of room between flywheel and converter install 3/8 washer I buy them from home depot , nickel a pop .... never had one too tight would damage this tranny way before thrust bearing on this one... just a final word you need about 1/8 clearance for flywheel flex ...
when I sale a tranny out the door I include the washers and knowledge about where they need to be installed....

[BMRIde85]

What should I do if I cannot push the converter in anymore to get my 1/8in clearance between the flywheel and converter? Grind down the feet on the converter?

[airworld2]

no need for that make sure converter will turn freely not hitting the raised portion of flywheel if thats ok install your 3 screws and keep going

[BMRIde85]

That's what I thought, Why this guy is telling me that I wore out my thrust bearing due to installing the converter incorrectly is beyond me, I think whoever owned the engine before me must have screwed it up, it is to my understanding that you should fit the converter onto the trans as far as it will go,bolt it up to the engine, then bolt up the converter,the feet will line up perfectly with the bolt holes on the flywheel without forcing it, am I right?