Stall converter install - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

Slow-V6 · 07-22-2010, 10:32 PM

Well I got a 3200 stall for my Firehawk. I will more then likely be doing the install myself with the help of some friends. I never installed a TQ converter. Is there any special way or what not that they need to be seated? This is my 1st Automatic performance car. Was also looking into a Corvette servo and a shift kit while the tranny is out. The car has 72,000 miles on it and is a 95. Any other suggestions while I am in there?

Green_Phoenix_LT1 · 07-22-2010, 10:43 PM

Let me know when your doing this, I'm all in for helping.

Slow-V6 · 07-22-2010, 11:05 PM

Werd. If I have the money I am just going to take it into the Tranny shop to get the Rear main seal replaced and have them do the install. If not Mike said we could possibly do the work at his crib!!

Green_Phoenix_LT1 · 07-22-2010, 11:31 PM

Nice I'm down for whatever.

NJ Torque · 07-22-2010, 11:35 PM

Trans cooler.

You must hear three clicks with the converter seated into the input shaft... and add a qt of fluid in the converter before installing.

Also, I would HIGHLY suggest doing it on a lift... I've gotten them down to about ~4 hours from start to finish.

BonzoHansen · 07-23-2010, 12:23 AM

also change the front seal on the trans while it is out. spread trans oil on the seal and the t/c collar before you install it.

GrandmasterCow · 07-23-2010, 01:28 AM

let me know as well i'll throw in some assistance.

LTb1ow · 07-23-2010, 04:16 AM

Be gentle with the shifter cable, remember to disconnect the main harness going to the trans, and either plan on splicing the cooler lines or being very careful of them until you can remove them.

Gonna need lots of extensions, and universal joints.

Do you have a trans jack? I would def recommend using one, having to balance the trans on a floor jack, is... eh.

MonmouthCtyAntz · 07-23-2010, 07:29 AM

I installed my LS1 converter w/ a bud, not sure how much different a LT1 car is but after the tranny was dropped etc. it was all pretty straight forward after that. I would definately pay for my next one to be installed, its a pita w/ no lift (we didnt use one)...Im no mechanic and dont have the patience of one w/ working on cars but the 3-4 hundred bucks shops charge imo is a steal lol.

KirkEvil · 07-23-2010, 07:49 PM

Follow the info in this link and measure howfar the TC has been seated before bolting it up to the motor.

http://modernmusclecars.net/forums/a...p?do=tcinstall

If you cant get the very top bolt with extensions, pull the intake and get it from above.

Slow-V6 · 07-24-2010, 10:17 AM

Damn. Didnt think there would be this much more crap to watch out for then with a 6speed. The shop wants 450.00 to do the rear main seal on my car and they would do the stall, Shift kit, servo and whatever else I need to get replaced while the tranny is out. If it was my house and my driveway I would just do it there but since its a friends house and driveway I dont want to have the car taking up space if we get stuck on a area and a 6 hr job turns into 2 days.

Thanks for everyones replies.

Frosty · 07-24-2010, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slow-V6

Damn. Didnt think there would be this much more crap to watch out for then with a 6speed. The shop wants 450.00 to do the rear main seal on my car and they would do the stall, Shift kit, servo and whatever else I need to get replaced while the tranny is out.

That's not a bad price man.

Slow-V6 · 07-24-2010, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frosty

That's not a bad price man.

Thats what I was thinking. The car has low miles but is also 15 yrs old and has been in PA/NJ its whole life. Dont really know what to expect when we start tearing it down. But it would also be nice to put that 450.00 into a nice set of headers for the car also!

Frosty · 07-24-2010, 10:02 PM

True true but at least if they run into something they're equipped to take care of it, especially since you'd be doing this on a friend's driveway. Plus the shift kit install would be a huge bitch on your back.

What kit do you have? TransGo?

Slow-V6 · 07-24-2010, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frosty

True true but at least if they run into something they're equipped to take care of it, especially since you'd be doing this on a friend's driveway. Plus the shift kit install would be a huge bitch on your back.

What kit do you have? TransGo?

Nothing yet. Still looking to see what I want. Its my wifes car and she doesnt want anything to extreem.

Slow-V6 · 07-24-2010, 10:32 PM

Would I need to replace or resurface the Flexplate? Like I said I am new to the auto sceen and with a new clutch in a 5 or 6 speed you get the flywheel resurfaced. Is it the same with a Flexplate?

deadtrend1 · 07-25-2010, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slow-V6

Would I need to replace or resurface the Flexplate? Like I said I am new to the auto sceen and with a new clutch in a 5 or 6 speed you get the flywheel resurfaced. Is it the same with a Flexplate?

no, there is no friction on a flexplate. Nothing to resurface. only if its cracked would you replace it.

Frosty · 07-25-2010, 08:51 AM

What he said. There's nothing to address there unless it's broke.

As far as the shift kits...I'd absolutely go with the TransGo kit, the B&M kit is absolute junk IMO.

KirkEvil · 07-25-2010, 09:35 AM

Just check the flexplate for cracks around the bolt holes. Its not a bad idea to replace it if you want to avoid failure in the future, but its not necessary.

Aftermarket flexplates are heavier and increase rotational mass. The increases rot mass will eat up some HP, but it will hit harder off the line due to increases inertia.

TCI makes the cheapest (under $100) bang for buck steel plates, and FTI makes a very nice ($300) aluminum one thats close to stock weight.

Slow-V6 · 07-25-2010, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KirkEvil

Just check the flexplate for cracks around the bolt holes. Its not a bad idea to replace it if you want to avoid failure in the future, but its not necessary.

Aftermarket flexplates are heavier and increase rotational mass. The increases rot mass will eat up some HP, but it will hit harder off the line due to increases inertia.

TCI makes the cheapest (under $100) bang for buck steel plates, and FTI makes a very nice ($300) aluminum one thats close to stock weight.

Yeah I found the TCI on ebay for 68.00 and there is also a company selling brand new stock ones for 25.00 on ebay.

Slow-V6 · 07-25-2010, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frosty

What he said. There's nothing to address there unless it's broke.

As far as the shift kits...I'd absolutely go with the TransGo kit, the B&M kit is absolute junk IMO.

I will check out the transgo kits. Thanks.

Slow-V6 · 07-25-2010, 12:49 PM

Thank you everyone for the info.

Slow-V6 · 07-28-2010, 12:54 AM

Converter came in today and does it look nice.

BonzoHansen · 07-28-2010, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slow-V6

Yeah I found the TCI on ebay for 68.00 and there is also a company selling brand new stock ones for 25.00 on ebay.

One is probaly sfi approved and the other a stock replacement.

Slow-V6 · 08-17-2010, 03:34 PM

Finnally had my TQ converter installed yesterday when they replaced the rear main seal. I must say I am overly joyed with it. Its a 3200 Revmaxx ( ebay) that I got for 280.00. It did what I wanted it to do, make the car more fun to drive. The car has picked up a ton in the 1/2 throttle range. havent really had it at WOT yet. Just driving around now is as enjoyable as it is with my 6speed car. I also had a B&M shift improver kit installed with it as well. The car shifts smoother then it did with the stock TQ converter in it. I havent went WOT so I am not sure how it shifts in that case. Overall I spent 360.00 for the shift kit and tq converter and I am very pleased with it so far. Put maybe 50 miles on it so far.