First time I ever mess up with an auto setup. What a mess it makes when you separate it. Searched and couldn't find anything. I can see 3-4 bolts behind the flexplate holding it. Are those the ones I need to take off? Seems kind of tight. Any tricks for doing this? Any special tool? Any thing to be carefull about? Don't want to mess up anything. I hope some experienced autoshifted guys here shime in. TIA

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Palm Beach Fieros
http://pbfieros.tripod.com

If you have the starter removed it shouldnt be that hard. Use a rachet to turn over the engine.

Yep, they are on the engine side of the plate. Remove one, spin the TC and plate (turn the engine if necessary), remove the next one, etc.

[This message has been edited by TK (edited 01-17-2006).]

I also use a pry bar in the teeth of the flexplate wedged against the block to stop the engine from turning over as you break the bolts loose. There's just enough room to get a wrench on the bolts and you have to turn the engine to get access to each bolt.

Looks like everyone has beat me to it.

Did you pull the torque converter out of the tranny?
I've done that. Once.

Made a huuuuge mess. Took about 5 pounds of kitty litter to mop it all up.

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Raydar
88 3.4 coupe...........

Praise the Lowered!
Read Nealz Nuze!

Remember on re-install to torque to specs 35-55lbs ( I think ?) Better to double check--also use locktight or RTV sealant on the treads. With the starter out of your way --its not that hard---hell I fit a torque wrench in there--no worries--just take your time........I still dig the stance on your Fieros, I have the pm you sent on how to do it--I have 5 GTs--all I need is a Notchie and I`ll be in business....

Thanks all. The engine is off the car on the floor. Seems like the starter area is the one for easy access, correct? If so I'll just lift it again and take the starter out. Thanks again +s to all

quote Originally posted by Alex4mula: Thanks all. The engine is off the car on the floor. Seems like the starter area is the one for easy access, correct? If so I'll just lift it again and take the starter out. Thanks again +s to all

Yes starter is the opening you want---take note of the shims on your starter for re-install... Good Luck

quote Originally posted by Raydar: Looks like everyone has beat me to it. Did you pull the torque converter out of the tranny? I've done that. Once. Made a huuuuge mess. Took about 5 pounds of kitty litter to mop it all up.

Important safety tip. (or cleanliness tip) This bears repeating.
There's a LOT of fluid in the torque converter that will spill everywhere if you pull it out of the transmission.

Did we mention it will make a mess and go everywhere? Not something you want to learn the hard way.

I think that tip came too late...

Also now I see I can take those bolts from this side too;

Since the torque converter is out of the tranny, it might be a good idea to replace the input shaft seal on the tranny. When you put everything back together, put the torque converter into the transmission, making sure it's fully seated. Then bolt the tranny to the engine. After that, you can put the torque converter bolts back through the driveplate. Don't tighten any of them until all of them are started.

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Rod Schneider, Woodstock, Ga.
"You can't have too many toys!"
1988 Fiero GT
1966 Porsche 911
Van's RV-6 airplane-under construction

quote Originally posted by Rodrv6: Since the torque converter is out of the tranny, it might be a good idea to replace the input shaft seal on the tranny. When you put everything back together, put the torque converter into the transmission, making sure it's fully seated. Then bolt the tranny to the engine. After that, you can put the torque converter bolts back through the driveplate. Don't tighten any of them until all of them are started.

Thanks! I wasn't sure about that procedure

I just got done putting mine back on yesterday. I put an adustable wrench on the pulley bolt and turned it until the wrench touched the cradle and wouldn't let it turn any more and then I undid the bolts with my 18mm wrench and rubber mallet.

Mike