To Shim or Not to Shim?

[myltwon]

Just finished installing my new FTI converter and noticed there is around an 1/8" of gap between the converter pads and the flexplate. Never really paid attention to it with my old converter. Whats the consensus on running washers between the converter pads and the flexplate to "shim" it vesus just tightening the converter against the flexplate?

[firebird_1995]

Can you pull the converter into the flexplate without anything binding? If so, I don't think 1/8" is a cause for concern. I've never measured any of mine but I know there is always a small gap there when the converter is pushed all the way into the trans. If not, when it heats up it will expand and tear something up in the pump (I think)

[myltwon]

It slides in and out easily, just heard people go both ways on it.

[dawdaw]

You are supposed to have a minimum of .125 and a maximum of .1875 clearance between the converter pads and the flex plate when the trans is fully bolted to the block.

[SSlowBoat]

Just finished installing my new FTI converter and noticed there is around an 1/8" of gap between the converter pads and the flexplate. Never really paid attention to it with my old converter. Whats the consensus on running washers between the converter pads and the flexplate to "shim" it vesus just tightening the converter against the flexplate?
Any more than an 1/8th and you will blow the pump. Trust me, be sure. Use a 1/8th drill bit and slide it in between. If it's even slightly loose, use 1 washer (use a mic to find 3 pretty close ones) I drove my car 60 miles made 3 dyno pulls and the pump blew, I was literally a hair over an 1/8th. The pump will vibrate and just shatter. Cahall can elaborate

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

[myltwon]

Thanks for the advice, I've got some gauge blocks I can use for checking the exact distance.