DIY Torque converter swap article?

[RaiderSS]

Finished converter install and haven't had it tuned yet but it already shifts and manners smoother than stock but I haven't got on the pedal... Cant I run it without updating my tune?

[abassfield]

I was given an estimate for $2100

To install a 3200 street/strip torque converter, Amsoil Synthetic fluid, trans cooler with B&M kit lines and fittings included and a custom Dyno Tune for my 2010 SS. What do you think about the price?

[aleckb]

Hey everyone, my torque converter is acting up so I'm going to replace it myself. I came across this guide on Scrib and thought I would share it.

[Tarendor]

Resurrection:

I recently decided to go from an ss1 to an ss3. So that meant putting in a stall converter.
I decided that I may as well slap on some new cnc heads.

Since I was going to tear the motor down to the block in the car I might as well pull it to do the converter instead of dropping the transmission.

If you can do a cam swap and heads...pulling the motor is a piece of cake. I didnt pull the hood off and I didnt open the ac system up either.

I didnt disconnect anything from the transmission other then the dipstick. (I had previously routed my cooler lines to an aftermarket cooler so I didnt have any issues popping the radiator)

I did this with my low profile jack, x2 jack stands and my cherry picker.

I put the heads back on before I put it back in.

Doing it this way was a piece of cake lol

[anthony.martinez]

This is the only way to go. Hell even if I was just doing a cam swap I would do it this way too. I hate working over the fenders beside all that you have a more controlled work environment.

[Tarendor]

Originally Posted by anthony.martinez

This is the only way to go. Hell even if I was just doing a cam swap I would do it this way too. I hate working over the fenders beside all that you have a more controlled work environment.

I agree, now that I have put 2 cams into this motor, pulling the motor is the only way I would do a cam swap in a camaro again. It made doing the oil pump (pickup tube) a snap. And is well worth the extra effort.

[1fast]

Originally Posted by RaiderSS

Finished converter install and haven't had it tuned yet but it already shifts and manners smoother than stock but I haven't got on the pedal... Cant I run it without updating my tune?

I would say don't run it to hard or to long with out tuning. If you have Hp tuners I can help

[Conehead396]

Tarendor, I am getting ready to take the same route to do my VVT3 and Circle D install. How did you support your trans while the motor was out? Did you pull the radiator or was there room? Thanks.

[CamaroCracka]

You need to remove the radiator when you remove the engine. It might be possible to do it without removing the radiator, but it's not worth the additional risk.

[Conehead396]

Thanks

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by 1fast

I would say don't run it to hard or to long with out tuning. If you have Hp tuners I can help

^^^^ this for sure. When I swapped out my 3200 for the 4200-4500 my tuner said I could drive it around easy, just not to wait too long to get it to him to retune it, and to NOT AT ALL run it hard, as it would probably not want to shift at all..