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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: JohnnyPopper on July 12, 2019, 12:58:46 PM

Title: 6 bolt Torque Converter
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 12, 2019, 12:58:46 PM
Hey Guys,

I bought a '88 C-30 and am replacing the th400. Got a used one (warrantied) from a yard I do a lot of business with, the tech pointed out that the T/C has 6 bolts.

Never seen one before, the original has 3.

Does anyone know the significance of why there are 6?

It came out of a '89 step van.

We opened up the pan and it was clean as a whistle.

Thanks for any guidance you can offer!
Title: Re: 6 bolt Torque Converter
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on July 13, 2019, 04:07:05 PM
i've been seeing a few of these lately, because i have to do research on my own torque converter issues.....

i think 6-lugs are more heavier dutier/diesels.


What engine is in your c-30?
Title: Re: 6 bolt Torque Converter
Post by: zieg85 on July 13, 2019, 04:17:41 PM
3 are SAE threads, 3 are Metric.  Choose which set of 3 you need
Title: Re: 6 bolt Torque Converter
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 14, 2019, 09:05:38 PM
Wow, that's all the difference? You mean my new T/C isn't special after all?  :'(

When wrenching to get this pig out, I ran into bolts Sets, i.e. rear mount bolts,  that were clearly metric, the rest being SAE.

The T/C bolts were/are 15mm.

The only thing I could figure was that the BIG 3 were so $ conscious of cost per vehicle that they went with lower cost hardware where ever they could.

Please feel free to disabuse me if there is another reason!
Title: Re: 6 bolt Torque Converter
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 18, 2019, 03:04:03 PM
Carl (Zeig) all the threads are the same. Now what?
Title: Re: 6 bolt Torque Converter
Post by: zieg85 on July 18, 2019, 03:33:59 PM
Choose the 3 that line up with your flex plate
Title: Re: 6 bolt Torque Converter
Post by: Irish_Alley on July 18, 2019, 04:40:25 PM
i know on my motor swap the flex plate on the motor there was only 3 holes for the th400. someone modified it to fit the 700r4 (made the holes closer to the edge). when i mounted it up to the 4l80e i had to bring the holes back in
Title: Re: 6 bolt Torque Converter
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 18, 2019, 05:06:11 PM
There are 6 points on the flexplate. Used all 6.

So there is no indication that this is a heavier duty T/C?

Came out of a delivery van.
Title: Re: 6 bolt Torque Converter
Post by: zieg85 on July 18, 2019, 05:17:27 PM
There are 6 points on the flexplate. Used all 6.

So there is no indication that this is a heavier duty T/C?

Came out of a delivery van.

OK.  I learned something today.  I have 2 TH400's and the flexplate in my 85 has 6 holes.  I will have to check and see if mine is the same way.  I am missing a speedometer drive gear before I put the new transmission back in...
Title: Re: 6 bolt Torque Converter
Post by: Irish_Alley on July 18, 2019, 10:24:53 PM
i didnt know about the differences till after i bolted the cummins in place and no bolt holes lined up. PIA to pull it back out and modify the flexplate to work with the 4l80e
Title: Re: 6 bolt Torque Converter
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on July 27, 2019, 05:37:13 AM
There are 6 points on the flexplate. Used all 6.

So there is no indication that this is a heavier duty T/C?

Came out of a delivery van.

Yes, based  on my research it is heavier duty and/or installed  behind diesels.   C-40,50 trucks, motorhomes etc.

2) if you look at the  custom aftermarket converters that are put behind engines making 800+HP, they are 6 lugs.

 That's all i know for now.
Title: Re: 6 bolt Torque Converter
Post by: JohnnyPopper on July 27, 2019, 08:27:36 PM
Wow Stuart, quite impressed! Thanks!

I admit I know very little about T/C's but wonder if this has a different 'stall' RPM?

I know that it can vary by design and application.

Hopefully this one isn't with a high RPM, however it is a C-30 with H/D rears suspension.

Any other Heavy Weight care to add to our knowledge base? TIA!