[chris32]

If the convertor spins in only one direction that's good quick check. It would be good to have it checked out a long with the trans. Please let us know what your trans person says about why its not working (bad pump, etc..)

 

[Caballero 81]

I hope it’s actually something in the trans why else would my car not go into gear any gear for that matter just park I’ll keep ya posted once I drop it off and get some news . I’m guessing bad pump didn’t hear any grinding and trans fluid smelt fine

 

[Caballero 81]

If the convertor spins in only one direction that's good quick check. It would be good to have it checked out a long with the trans. Please let us know what your trans person says about why its not working (bad pump, etc..)

Does it spinning one direction mean it’s still good ??

 

[chris32]

"Does it spinning one direction mean it’s still good ??" yes, convertor sprag to only spin in one direction is a good thing. I have seen people break these drag racing.

 

[Caballero 81]

I have a 3000 stall converter I checked it by hand seems ok putting tranny in the shop Monday so we’ll see

 

[Caballero 81]

Took tranny in so I guess the guy that installed my motor put a non lockup torque converter on a lockup th350 tranny . The trans guy said th350 after 1980 we’re junk but I’m not sure , I’m just taking his word… so he’s now building me a non lockup th350 .. he said he doesn’t even know how I drove the car at all torque converter was only on the spline a quarter of an inch chewed up teeth….

 

[chris32]

Took tranny in so I guess the dhead that installed my motor put a non lockup torque converter on a lockup th350 tranny . The trans guy said th350 after 1980 we’re junk but I’m not sure , I’m just taking his word… so he’s now building me a non lockup th350 .. he said he doesn’t even know how I drove the car at all torque converter was only on the spline a quarter of an inch chewed up teeth….

Sorry to hear this. The non-lockup would be the way to go with a stall convertor and 383 like what you have... The lockup 350 is easy to detect, it has an electrical plug on the side of the trans for the lock up convertor. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Caballero 81]

I’m getting an non
lockup tranny th350 pre 1980 there th350c after 1980

 

[Caballero 81]

New rebuild non lockup th350 already installed just gotta fill full of fluids and put drive shaft in question should I shim the torque converter??

 

[chris32]

The torque convertor should be loose (slide back and forth) on the input shaft and then it should slide up to your flywheel. I have never shimmed my convertors.

 

[Hat Trick]

The converter when seated all the way into the trans should have 1/4” or less space to the flywheel. Anymore than that needs washers or spacers.
Tom

 

[Caballero 81]

It’s at 1/4 I just thought by sliding it forward it would take away from the pump ,slide away from it. Just making sure it’s installed correctly next question is I’m the only one installing it so what’s my best options for bolting up the converter to flywheel

 

[chris32]

I put in a bolt/nut one at a time bringing the convertor up to the flex plate but wait to tighten all the bolt/nuts until all of them are installed. Some guys also put blue Loctite on the threads. Let us know how it goes.

 

[69 SS396]

X2

Get a crank turning tool also. So much easier than turning the flywheel 2 teeth at a time with a screwdriver.

With a long ratchet or breaker bar you can brace it against something to get good torque on the bolts.

 

[chris32]

Here is a flywheel tool that Sean may have been referring to. I did not seem one at Harbor Freight, but maybe a parts store in your area has one that is reasonably priced. I saw one at AutoZone and O'Reillys but way overpriced.

JEGS 60129: Flywheel and Flexplate Turning Tool - JEGS High Performance

Flywheel Turning Tool

www.jegs.com

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/gearwrench/tools---equipment/mechanics-tools/engine-tools/bb466241b099/gearwrench-flywheel-turner/kdt0/2270/v/a/3242/automotive-truck-1981-chevrolet-el-camino

https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-and-specialty-tools/flywheel-turner/p/lisle-flywheel-turner/505066_0_0

 

[69 SS396]

Actually thinking this, but your style works too. You would need to pull the balancer though.

Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance

 

[Caballero 81]

Trans in installed filling it full of fluids in the morning.. I put a socket on the crank and rotated the motor all the way around , after that started up car with 6 quarts gonna top it off tomorrow and let it warm up I just wanted to make sure I installed everything correctly…

 

[chris32]

Any updates you can share on the new transmission?