4L60E to a Big Block

[bbcharger71]

I am having some serious clearance issues with my overdrive conversion. I purchased a quicktime bellhousing and flexplate to mount up the 4L60E. Everything has been going very smooth until now. I have a HUGE gap betwwen my torque converter and flexplate. I am at a loss for words. I do not know what to do. Has anyone done this conversion before? I have searched endlessly and cannot find anyone that has posted this conversion. Any help at all would be great. Here are some pictures with the measurements.

 

[Photon440]

Which gap are we looking at? One picture shows a 1 1/8" measurement, the next shows 5/8". I know that some space is expected. TCI's kit has three spacers of .385".
http://news.compperformance.com/Instructions/149260.pdf

 

[67 coronet]

if flipping the flex plat over wont take up the gap i would call quicktime and ask them.

 

[bbcharger71]

Which gap are we looking at? One picture shows a 1 1/8" measurement, the next shows 5/8". I know that some space is expected. TCI's kit has three spacers of .385".
http://news.compperformance.com/Instructions/149260.pdf

I'm concerned with the 1 1/8 gap. I just don't understand how I could possible have that large of a gap.

- - - Updated - - -

if flipping the flex plat over wont take up the gap i would call quicktime and ask them.

I plan on calling them first thing Monday.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Makes me wonder whether they left out a crank hub spacer, OR if they sent an incorrect flexplate. But in either case, that would put the ring gear out of the starter drive's range, I believe. Only other thing I can figure is an incorrect length bellhousing.

Not trying to start an arguement.....but why the 4L60E choice? I would have looked at the 2004R. The gear ratios are much better and it can be built as strong as the 4L80.

 

[bbcharger71]

Makes me wonder whether they left out a crank hub spacer, OR if they sent an incorrect flexplate. But in either case, that would put the ring gear out of the starter drive's range, I believe. Only other thing I can figure is an incorrect length bellhousing.

Not trying to start an arguement.....but why the 4L60E choice? I would have looked at the 2004R. The gear ratios are much better and it can be built as strong as the 4L80.

I was starting to think the same thing about the bellhousing, however I have a small block 904 in the shed that I measured from the bellhousing mounting flange to the ring gear and got about 1 1/2. With that being said, if I had about a 1" spacer on the crank, that would put the flexplate right on the torque converter and in the same spot as the 904 I have.

About the 4l60e....... The whole idea of build this car is to drive it. I wanted the big block power but with gas prices continuing to rise, I knew I couldn't run a 727 or 4 speed without draining my wallet. I originally wanted to do a six speed conversion, however I did not have the access to the tools to do that kind of swap. The 4L60E is such an easy swap. It's almost like it was made for b bodies. Literally, all I had to do was fold back the body seam in the tunnel, "massage" a couple other places, and build a crossmember. Plus I love the idea of having a FULLY programmable transmission in my car (eventhough it is a GM based product). With my set-up (3.23 gears, 27ish inch tires, and that tranny) I sure be able to cruise at 70 mph only turning around 2000 rpm. If I can only get by this little hiccup, the rest of this install should be a piece of cake.

 

[bbcharger71]

Also about the durability of the 4l60e. I got the Monster in a box kit from monster transmission. With this upgrade kit, it should hold up to either 500 or 550 hp on street tires.

 

[RustyRatRod]

So what's the outcome? Have you figured it out yet?

 

[bbcharger71]

Unfortunately no. I was not able to call them last week, so I had my dad call them for me. They told him that their bellhousing does not require spacers for the flexplate and torque converter. I'm gonna call them first thing Monday. If they try to tell me the same thing, I'm just gonna tell them they can have it back and I'll get tci's kit.

 

[scotts74birds]

First thought is did you REALLY set the T.Q. into its notch? The T.Q should be recessed behind the flange of the trans.

 

[bbcharger71]

Yes, and that's the problem. With the TC fully seated, I have a 1 1/8 inch gap. In order for this bellhousing to work, I would need a 1/2 inch spacer between the crank and flexplate, and then a 1/2 inch spacer between flexplate and TC. That would leave a 1/8 inch gap which is what is needed for the TC to come off of the pump to prevent premature wear.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Is the converter part of the package? Maybe it's supposed to have a longer snout.

 

[bbcharger71]

No the converter came from monster transmission.

I talked to quicktime (prestolite performance) today and, go figure they said that their bellhousings a do not require spacers. I told him that I have proof it does. He also asked about my torque converter. I told him it was factory size which is what the bellhousing is designed for. I also said that the flexplate is not the right depth and requires a .5 inch spacer on either the starter or crank to correct it. He told me I should remove the bellhousing and mount the transmission to the motor via the torque converter and measure my depth. I told him I would but if the bellhousing wasn't right, how would I send it back to him? He said I would have to take that up with who I bought it from. Needless to say, I'm pretty ticked off at this point.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Dang man. That bites. I work at a transmission shop in middle Georgia. Let me know if we can help.

 

[bbcharger71]

Dang man. That bites. I work at a transmission shop in middle Georgia. Let me know if we can help.

Thanks Rusty. I have talked to the people at Roush and they are looking into it. I found a guy over on abodiesonly.com that did this conversion in a Demon with a 6.1. I sent him a message to see if he had any issues with his small block bellhousing. Hopefully I'll know something soon............ I'm ready to move forward with this project.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I'll be damned if they caint figure it out, if I wouldn't send it back and just get an adapter plate to do it.

http://www.wilcap.com/mopar.html#426350

 

[bbcharger71]

I think I just figured it out!!!!!!! When I ordered the TC along with my trans kit from monster, I selected the 4l65e converter. When they called to verify what it was going in, I told them. They were a little thrown off but said I probably just needed the 4l60e/700r converter. I asked if there was any difference besides the bolt pattern. They said no. Well, come to find out, the newer LS converters are exactly 3/4 inch longer. Add that to my 3/8 inch hub adapter and I have a perfect fit!! Now it's just calling everyone and swapping out parts.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Dammit man. I hope it's that easy. I'm anxious to see how it works. I know you are too. Keep us posted.

 

[Greg Ducato]

Better make sure your trans will accept the later 300MM style converter, the 4L60E with removable bell could be had with either the 298MM style or later 300MM style, the converters will not interchange between the two transmissions due to differences in pumps and input shafts.

 

[bbcharger71]

Better make sure your trans will accept the later 300MM style converter, the 4L60E with removable bell could be had with either the 298MM style or later 300MM style, the converters will not interchange between the two transmissions due to differences in pumps and input shafts.

Your right. I did have to switch out the input shaft and pump too. I have found out (no thanks to Quicktime or Roush) that in order for this bellhousing to work, you have to have a LS style 4L60E (4L65E). The vortec style 4L60E will work IF you switch the input shaft and torque converter. I am going to try and refit everything tonight. I am not 100% sure if I need the 3/8 hub spacer. We shall see. I will post a complete parts list once I get everything together.