B&M 20480 NITROUS HOLESHOT 2400 - Manual

Torque Converter
Installation Instructions
for
General Motors
TH-350, TH-400, & Powerglide
© 2006, 2002, 1995 by B&M Racing and Performance Products
Printed in the U.S.A.
9500197-09
Congratulations. You have just
purchased the best performing and high-
est quality torque converter available.
We feel the installation instructions on
the following pages are as complete
and clear as possible. Anyone with a
minimum of mechanical experience
should be capable of installing a torque
converter using the proper tools and
following instructions. It is important to
closely follow the instructions. Read
each step and if you don’t understand
go back and read it again.
Included are part numbers for
flexplates and other components which
may aid in installation. Every attempt
has been made to assure the accuracy
of this information. These instructions
are aimed at making your installation
as easy and simple as possible.
INTRODUCTION
The torque converter in your auto-
matic transmission is a unique device
and must perform several functions:
First, it must provide some slip at an
idle so the engine does not stall when
the vehicle is stopped and the engine is
running.
Second, it multiplies torque under ini-
tial accelerations to provide more power
to the rear wheels. The typical torque
multiplication of a torque converter is
about 2:1. This means that the torque
converter is actually doubling engine
torque or power on initial acceleration.
Some high stall converters have torque
multiplication as high as 2.6:1.
Third, the torque converter must have
as little slippage as possible under
normal driving conditions so the engine
operates efficiently. High stall speed
converters are designed to be as effi-
cient as possible at high rpm for maxi-
mum mph.
Fourth, the torque converter must have
reverse coupling to slow the vehicle
when you downshift to second or low.
Traveler torque converters are designed
to give maximum deceleration for im-
proved engine braking.
All of the above functions occur
automatically under various operating
conditions. The torque converter is a
simple and yet complex piece of equip-
ment. Improper installation will re-
sult in poor performance and possi-
ble damage to the torque converter
and/or transmission. Read all in-
structions first to familiarize yourself
with the parts and procedures. Work
slowly and do not force any parts.
Burrs and dirt are the number one
enemies of automatic transmission
assembly. Cleanliness is very impor-
tant. Avoid getting any dirt or foreign
particles in the transmission or torque
converter.
Automatic transmissions operate
at temperatures between 150 0 F and
250 0 F. It is suggested that the vehicle
be allowed to cool for a few hours to
avoid burns from hot oil and parts. The
vehicle should be off the ground for ease
of installation. Jack stands, wheel
ramps or a hoist will work fine. Make
sure the vehicle is firmly support-
ed!! Try to raise it 1 - 2 feet so you have
plenty of room to work easily. Also
have a small box or pan handy to put
bolts in so they won’t be lost, and a
drain pan to catch oil. We suggest you
rent a transmission jack from a rental
yard to remove the transmission as the
transmission/converter assembly is
heavy. A regular floor jack may be used
if a transmission jack is unavailable.
Due to variations between different
car models, exact instructions for every
vehicle cannot be provided. These
instructions are sufficient for all vehicle
installations. You may find it neces-
sary to disconnect and lower exhaust
pipes during transmission removal.
NOTE: All B&M Torque Converters
have fixed pitch stators and will not fit
1965-1967 Buick, Olds or Cadillac vari-
able pitch TH-400 transmissions. Vari-
able pitch transmissions can be identi-
fied by a 1" wide smooth bushing diam-
eter directly behind the large spline of
the stator shaft on the front pump.
NOTE: B&M converters will not fit
TH-350's originally equipped witha clutch
converter except part number 30416.
STEP 1. Drain oil pan. This will make
less of a mess during transmission
removal. Some model TH-350 and
Powerglide transmissions have drain
plugs. TH-400 transmissions do not
have drain plugs. If yours has a drain
plug, remove it and allow the fluid to
drain, then install drain plug back into