Never go near that shop again. :mad

 

Cutting open the converter is the only way to inspect it for debris and or damage. Apparently its not much trouble with the proper tools (a lathe). My transmission had not suffered damage to any of it's hard parts, just clutches and band.
I believe it is common practice for transmission builders to always replace or rebuild the torque converter following transmission overhaul. They don't want to chance the possiblity of trash being flushed from the converter into the transmission.
The only thing wrong with my torque converter was that the two halves had not been aligned properly prior to being welded together. He said that the stator looked fine and he planned on re-using it. He is also going to increase the stall speed to around 2300 to 2500 rpm.

 

Let me add a bit of background information regarding my transmission.
I purchased it used from an individual, and supposedly it was in great condition. I took it to Howard's Transmissions to have a few modifications performed. Not for a rebuild. I told him that I would rather take a chance on it's internal condition than pay for a rebuild at this time. I asked him to install / perform the following work:

Set it up for torque converter lockup in 4th gear based on line pressure. ($28.32)
Trans-Go 3-4 Max Throttle Kit ($64.45)
Corvette Servo ($22.84)
Pump O-ring, Gasket, Bushing, and Seal ($15.00)
Filter Kit ($24.50)

The labor charge was $150.00 ($315.58 total)
I also purchased a torque converter from them for $180.

The used transmission only lasted about 1700 miles. I'm not blaming Howard's Transmissions for that. The bad torque converter that I purchased from them came from one of their suppliers, they do not rebuild torque converters at their shop, again, not really their fault.

The only item that I can really fault them for is the fact that the $65 Trans-Go 3-4 Max Throttle Kit was not installed. I believe that the guy who worked on my transmission was the Son of the owner. Forgetting to install the part was not a mistake. My trans builder said that they had performed a modification that was an attempt at producing similar results as the max throttle kit but it was a modification with poor side effects. I don't have enough information or trans knowledge to give details about that.
Had the guy told me that he could do the same thing without the $65 part, I would have nothing to complain about right now. The only REAL problem is that I was charged $65 for a part that was not installed.
I'll discuss it with them as soon as it is convenient for me to do so. Thanks for the support guys. I just couldn't help but to vent about it here on the forum.

 

Why not go and buy a TCI BreakAWAY 2400 stall new for 200 bucks.. and use that instead??

 

The TCI Breakaway is ~$390. John is building me one just like it. I know it will be done right, if not, I can easily return it to him and he will get it right.
Thanks for the input either way
:seeya

 

Ahh I just saw that you were using the 700.....It is 200 bucks for the 400!!