E body: 747: changing torque converter: Any time saving tips out there?

[DocMel]

Im changing out the tourque converter in my 71 E Body:

  Any time saving tips or tricks to save time is appreciated

[500Stroker]

1) If your flexplate is going to be off the engine or if you are upgrading it bolt it onto the converter and spray paint the converter and one ear.  They only line up one way.  It's alot easier to line up the painted parts then to get three bolts in only to find out the 4th does not line up.  Also keep all three bolts a little loose until the 4th is in. 

2) Take a look at how deep inside the trans housing the converter is currently sitting when it is pushed all the way in.  Probably about 3/4" - 1"  Make sure the new one is also that deep.  A common mistake is to slide the converter on until it stops the first time and it winds up flush with the case.  You have to keep spinning and pushing to get it on to the second stop.
 
3)  If you are going from stock to performance the bolts may the larger diameter and you may need a larger bolt hole flexplate.

[ShelbyDogg]

Your torque converter may have weights on it by the drain plug. If it does, you have to move the weights over and weld them on the new converter or buy an aftermarket flexplate that accepts the weights for your crank.

If not, you're set.

While the converter is out, I would change the pumps center oil seal and the pumps outer o-ring. O-ring is a little bit more trouble so since you are asking if there are any tips, I'm thinking your trans skill are limited, I would say that you should only change the center seal.

The usual, Make sure that the torque converter  is all the way into the pump .

[tactransman]

Helpful images




Stock style converter (bigger stalls will not have landmarks)