Well, here is how I look at it: On one side of the flexplate there should be a 'lip'. The 'lip' goes toward the converter/trans.

 

I was wondering the same thing recently.

I think the "indentations" go towards the engine.

Anyone else have a take on this?

 

ok, getting conflicting messages here...the way i have it installed now, the indentations are facing the trans, and I can't get the convertor to spin freely when it is mated to the engine. BUT, there is a small lip on the flex plate around the crank hole, and it is on the outside, facing the trans... If i turn it around, I think the convertor will clear, but the lip will be against the crank.

 

When I was putting my engine back in when I had an automatic. I was told the lip needs to go toward the converter because if not I would have starting problems as well as others. And it makes sense too because if I recall correctly the front has a little nub that the lip would slide over anyway. If the lip faces the engine, I'm thinking it would hit the crank and keep the flexplate pushed out too far causing some problems, mainly with the starter engaging, but I'm sure it would cause things to not mate all the way, etc.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I am thinking I have it right...you might not try to force it though unless someone else can chime in.

 

The torque converters mounting boses need to face the converter, not the engine. Basically they protrude away from the engine. I never tried bolting it up the other way, never thought the bolts would be long enough to get the converter attached if it was backwards.

I just checked my flexplate that I removed for my 4 speed setup. The lip your talking about is flaring out toward the converter, in order for the mounting bosses to protrude toward the converter.

Hope this helps!

 

I am actually in the process of changing mine right now. It is in backwards with the converter "bumps" facing the engine. So my starter only reaches half of the ring gear. No wonder I have had starter problems. I must not of paid attention to the direction when I put in my last converter.

The converter should "sit' on the raised bosses to make it fit correctly.

What I wonder is if it was out of balance with it backwards?

 

Luckily I checked my flexplate before putting the turbo 400 up there. The flex plate only has 11.5 inch bolt circle and the torque converter has 10.75 inch bolt circle.

If the converter is supposed to be for a turbo 400 why does it have a 350 bolt circle ?

 

well, mine is on correctly, but my convertor is still binding against it. grrrrr!

 

sandy I just went through this last weekend, turns out some flexplates are drilled for large and small bolt pattern, well I broke out with the die grinder and elongated the holes on three of them, No problems now and I didn't have to pull the tranny, Oh, I did post it on this site and was informed that it really doesnt through it out of balance because of the minumal amount of metal removed, Jim

 

Hey Nick, have you made sure that the converter is fully seated in the trans?

David

 

Elongating the holes is a great idea, thanks......Sandy

 

As far as I can tell, it is seated as far as it will go. For the life of me I can't get it to go any farther. I have tried all of the suggestions I have heard, spinning it fast, slow, both directions, putting pressure on it while spinning it, and standing the trans on end, but the converter stays where it is, with the pads 7/8'' behind the bellhousing. There is a small amount of space between the converter and the back of the bellhousing, but it is only about 1/4 of an in. I think I'm just going to take it to the shop later and have them put the thing in and make sure I have't screwed up the seal, I'm too frustrated to deal with it myself.
Nick

 

Took the trans back to the shop, and they had the same problem with the converter that I did. The owner pulled the input shaft and pump out and found that one of the gears in the pump was installed backwards, which had been in turn pushing the shaft forward and screwing up the converter clearance. The trans was rebuilt by an employee that is no longer working there for obvious reasons. The owner is going to take the trans apart tonight and personally double check everything in it. Thanks for the replies, they are appreciated.
Nick