[C1] Powerglide Installation Information?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
Powerglide Installation Information?
Hello all. I'm in the middle of a rebuild on my powerglide transmission on my 1959. I removed it from under the car, with the engine in the car. Taking it out from under the car was a nightmare. Can anyone who has done this, give me information to ease the instalation. Major issues removing it, was the torch converter ran into the flywheel, not allowing it to tilt out. I had to remove the converter before dropping out the trans. I know it can't go back in that way. Also is the trans installed with the shifter attached to the transmission? It was a major pain unbolting the shift from the trans while it was in the car.
Ps. Its on a 2 post lift in my garage.
Ps. Its on a 2 post lift in my garage.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,330
Likes: 8,750
From: northern california
C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
Disclosure: I've never done anything like what you are doing with that PowerGlide. I have, however, R&Red many engines.
If I were in your position, I would seriously consider pulling the engine, marrying the engine and transmission out of the car, and then re-installing engine/trans as a unit. I really would.
If I were in your position, I would seriously consider pulling the engine, marrying the engine and transmission out of the car, and then re-installing engine/trans as a unit. I really would.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 129
Likes: 40
From: Nantes
I reassembled twice a CI PWG in my 1960 Corvette. With the engine in place (held in place with wide straps). Each time, I reassembled the transmission with the converter in place. The shifter must be removed to put the transmission back in place. The crossmember and the fixing bracket of the transmission must also be removed. When reassembling, the rear of the transmission must be tilted upwards towards the rear of the car, to be moved back sufficiently in the tunel to allow the front of the transmission to be lifted and then translated forward in the axis of the engine. Tilting and backing the transmission sufficiently toward the rear of the vehicle with the gearshift or crossmember in place is impossible. It is clear that the space to assemble the shifter is small (But not that much different from manual transmissions) and the positioning and mounting of the gearshift screws is tedious. It must be assembled before the crossmember is mounted (i.e. the engine & transmission must be supported). The weight of the transmission is not lighter during assembly than during disassembly (if you see what I mean ...) so caution !
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
Projet1960
I'm thrilled to learn of another who likes pain. I removed the shifter with the crossmember in place, your way would be so much easier. Did you remove the flywheel on the rear of the motor to give you additional room to install the trans? Taking it out i had to tilt the front of the trans down and slide the converter off to give me enough room to move the the trans forward enough to drop the trans straight down.
Thanks for your valuable info.
Thanks for your valuable info.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 129
Likes: 40
From: Nantes
I did not remove the flywheel on the rear of the motor to give additional room to install the trans. I can hardly assess whether or not this option will significantly facilitate reassembly. The real challenge is to find the tools and assistance to hoist, tilt, back-up, level and finally move forward this very heavy transmission without it slipping or tipping. I remember having a solid and sufficient support from the rear of the transmission (tail-shaft housing), throughout this process, on the chassi. Provided again, that the crossmember was removed.
As described in the 1961 passenger vehicule manual, lowering the rear of the transmission down (not too much, watch out for the ignition coil) allows easier access to the 3 top screws fixing the transmission to the engine.
As described in the 1961 passenger vehicule manual, lowering the rear of the transmission down (not too much, watch out for the ignition coil) allows easier access to the 3 top screws fixing the transmission to the engine.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 731
Likes: 252
From: Carlisle Pa.
2025 C1 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (stock)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (stock)
Disclosure: I've never done anything like what you are doing with that PowerGlide. I have, however, R&Red many engines.
If I were in your position, I would seriously consider pulling the engine, marrying the engine and transmission out of the car, and then re-installing engine/trans as a unit. I really would.
If I were in your position, I would seriously consider pulling the engine, marrying the engine and transmission out of the car, and then re-installing engine/trans as a unit. I really would.
the front of the car. After the combination is in place a well earned beer is usually my reward.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,013
Likes: 330
From: Southeast Missouri
😎
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette
Pouria Savadkouei
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
Update to powerglide install
So many times people post things without a conclusion. I just wanted to provide an update. The powerglide installed without pulling the engine. It really wasn't as hard as I thought. It took 3 people total for eyes and muscle. Used a quality transmission jack while car was on the lift. The trick and must have tool is an adjustible jack stand under the starter to raise and lower the rear of the engine to make the room to slide the trans. up. Also I used some plumbing strap or you could use safety wire to hold the torc converter in place so it didn't slide out when tilted forward. Also the above tip to install the shifter before putting in the cross member saved a lot of suffering.
Thanks
Thanks
