1994 torque converter change
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 234
Likes: 20
From: Stuart Florida
1994 torque converter change
I've tried doing searches, but I can't find answers. I'm going to install an Edge 3000 stall converter to my 1994 LT1 while I have my exhaust off to install TPIS LT headers. I don't have a car lift, is this doable on jack stands? How high does the car have to be? My jack stands are 3T and only go to about 20" I can't measure the tranny height. Is a transmission lift necessary to lower tranny, or have any of you just modified a regular hydraulic car jack? I have never done a TC, plenty of manuals: clutch, pressure plate, etc. but I have no auto experience Any advice for this newbee is appreciated from those of you that have done this. THANKS!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
It can be done on jack stands. You need to get car high enough that you can move around. Not much different than doing clutch job. You will want to have a trans jack to raise and lower trans along with holding everything up attaching and removing "C" beam. You want to keep trans on jack when swapping converters. You will need to make sure converter is fully installed into transmission pump. there should be a gap between flywheel and converter when transmission and engine mate together. If converter binds against flywheel: pump can be damaged. You can expect it will be a little messy, it is unlikely you will be able to keep ATF off floor. Good Luck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 234
Likes: 20
From: Stuart Florida
It can be done on jack stands. You need to get car high enough that you can move around. Not much different than doing clutch job. You will want to have a trans jack to raise and lower trans along with holding everything up attaching and removing "C" beam. You want to keep trans on jack when swapping converters. You will need to make sure converter is fully installed into transmission pump. there should be a gap between flywheel and converter when transmission and engine mate together. If converter binds against flywheel: pump can be damaged. You can expect it will be a little messy, it is unlikely you will be able to keep ATF off floor. Good Luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
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If you've got the exhaust removed you might consider maybe a "for hire" effort regarding the converter install. Might be a very wise expenditure when you take into consideration your equipment.
Having done clutches etc. you should be able to relate to the required additional effort. A local transmission shop maybe? If you catch one and it's maybe a little slow it could be very attractively priced. If you can see that they're slow maybe the price is negotiable.
Having done clutches etc. you should be able to relate to the required additional effort. A local transmission shop maybe? If you catch one and it's maybe a little slow it could be very attractively priced. If you can see that they're slow maybe the price is negotiable.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
I've probably had my trannies out over a hundred times over the past 31 years. Jackstands will work just fine. For a converter swap, the tranny doesn't have to come out all the way. It just needs to slide back and downward a few inches. I use a floor jack with a small helper handle to lift the tranny (have not been able to find a replacement for my leaker). The tranny neads to go rearward about 18". Remove the old converter (pan underneath to catch the few ounces of fluid). Install the new one.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,870
Likes: 25
From: Long Island, NY
I've probably had my trannies out over a hundred times over the past 31 years. Jackstands will work just fine. For a converter swap, the tranny doesn't have to come out all the way. It just needs to slide back and downward a few inches. I use a floor jack with a small helper handle to lift the tranny (have not been able to find a replacement for my leaker). The tranny neads to go rearward about 18". Remove the old converter (pan underneath to catch the few ounces of fluid). Install the new one.
Get the car up high.
Disconnect the C Beam and lower the Tranny a bit using a piece of plywood and a jack.
Do not take the Tranny off the jack, swap the convertor, and then raise it back up.
4 hr job on jackstands.
Vic
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
I have removed \installed a few convertors also, all done on jack stands.
Get the car up high.
Disconnect the C Beam and lower the Tranny a bit using a piece of plywood and a jack.
Do not take the Tranny off the jack, swap the convertor, and then raise it back up.
4 hr job on jackstands.
Vic
Get the car up high.
Disconnect the C Beam and lower the Tranny a bit using a piece of plywood and a jack.
Do not take the Tranny off the jack, swap the convertor, and then raise it back up.
4 hr job on jackstands.
Vic
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 234
Likes: 20
From: Stuart Florida
I've probably had my trannies out over a hundred times over the past 31 years. Jackstands will work just fine. For a converter swap, the tranny doesn't have to come out all the way. It just needs to slide back and downward a few inches. I use a floor jack with a small helper handle to lift the tranny (have not been able to find a replacement for my leaker). The tranny neads to go rearward about 18". Remove the old converter (pan underneath to catch the few ounces of fluid). Install the new one.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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I'd maybe confirm the bolt pattern and thread pitch is correct for the converter. It wouldn't be good to have it apart and find out the converter was mispackaged. New converter bolts? I'd think it maybe wise.