727 Torque converter bolts

[Bones Jackson]

I broke all the torque converter bolts saturday on my 68 coronet. Good news it went 10.94 @120. Why on earth are the bolts only a 5/16? A stock 150 hp small block chevy used a bigger bolt than a 5/16!

Is it possible to drill out the holes in the converter and flex plate and re tap for a bigger bolt? What do you guys use? The trans is and flex plate are fine and the bolts that were in there were not ARP's but were hardened. Any suggestions? Trans is coming out this week. Thanks

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Were they a "clean break" or were they worn in half from being loose?

 

[Bones Jackson]

Not a clean break, almost looked to be loose I guess. I know I cranked em down good though. You think its possible to drill and tap for a 7/16?

 

[67 B-body]

I drilled and tapped for 3/8 bolts. Used red loctite too! I think of you go much bigger, the head of the bolt gets too thick and will contact casting on the rear of the block.

 

[67 coronet]

if you change bolts,make sure they are not too long(dosnt take much)they will dimple the torqe conv housing and cause problems.also,as said before,use lock tight on those puppy's.

 

[68GTX4SPEED]

http://marketplaceadvisor.channelad...emDetail.aspx?sid=1&sfid=92390&c=0&i=11994739

 

[Endangered Species]

If it were me, I would send the converter out to have new pads put on with the right bolt holes.
Then Red loctite the bolts and check them every few races to make sure they don't losen up. I'm sure that's why they broke. We leave the inspection plate off so we can get to the bolts also if you have room issues down there then cut out of the bottom of the bell housing from the outside edge to the teeth on the converter, it makes it easier to get a wrench in there.

You better check your flex plate also because the holes are probably ovaled out. If they are then you need to change the flex plate also.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

How 'bout some pictures of the broken bolts!What about the holes in the flexplate,are they elongated?

 

[Polara Pat]

We have a huge problem with out bolts loosening off even with red lock tight. It's become regular maintenance after a few passes to check them. Solid mounted engines tend to make everything vibrate...lots.

Hope you figure out your issue.

 

[sst3193]

I was gonna suggest buying a better converter, because most race converters use 7/16 bolts. Then I realised that your conbination is working pretty sweet if you go 10.90s @120!
You are in the right frame of mind to have a look at the trans, after it broke this way.
Good Luck!!!

 

[Bones Jackson]

I called a local converter shop and they dont want to mess with it. They'drather have me buy a converter from them, figures. He mentioned that the loose converter bolts are a common problem on chryslers.

 

[Bones Jackson]

 

[Bones Jackson]

Gotta work on reaction and heat the tires a little more but not too bad for the first time out, minus the converter issue.

I was gonna suggest buying a better converter, because most race converters use 7/16 bolts. Then I realised that your conbination is working pretty sweet if you go 10.90s @120!
You are in the right frame of mind to have a look at the trans, after it broke this way.
Good Luck!!!

 

[moparsteve636]

ARP makes convertor bolts!Use red loktite! on any of them.

 

[Bones Jackson]

I know, they're like 10 bucks my problem is the threads in the converter are beat up bad.

 

[godfatherofchry]

I'd say buy anther converter and not from the guy at this converter shop because I think hes full of ****..the bolts from what I'm looking at were hitting the block.make sure you use converter bolts with loctite.I have never had a converter come lose.just saying....is this a stock converter going that fast?..........Artie

 

[Bones Jackson]

The converter I'm using is a 3500 stall Hughes

 

[Endangered Species]

Hughes should be able to re weld new pads on the converter. While it's back have them go trough it and make sure everything is ok and in balance.

It's not un common to have converter bolts back out. We had it happen a couple of years ago lucky it was the last race and the last pass for the year. Ever since after ever race or two we check the bolts. Last year SSR had his back out at Beaver Springs in the light blue Dodge.

Once they loosen up they elongate the holes in the flex plate and you'll never get them to stay tight again. You'll need a new flex plate.

Red loctite a long wrench and a little grunt. Worry about getting them back out when that time comes. LOL.

 

[Endangered Species]

On another note... I notice you're from Hudson Ohio. Do you know Tom Orlando? He use to own the Mr. 5&50 tribute 65 Plymouth. He's use to race with us. Tom's a class act.

 

[Bones Jackson]

Dont know him, we've only been here for a year and a half now.