Re: What if the lockup torque converter clutch is the cause of the main bearing problems?

Posted by Dave Brownell On 2016/10/21 11:37:42

If only my two Packard 374s had the performance and longevity of our family's several dozen Chevy small block V8s, I could die a more satisfied man. Currently, my most primitive SBC is a fifty year old Corvette 327 that has not had the engine opened up in the 35 years I have owned it. Next come at least fifteen Chevy/GMC light trucks, ranging from 1988 to 2008, both SMC and Big Blocks, all with engine miles somewhere between 120 and 600 thousand miles with remarkably trouble free performances. Of course, they have regular servicing, but still our experience is almost Corolla-like.

Two of my newer Corvettes have the skip-shift manual transmission feature mentioned that would force first to fourth gear shifts at any throttle position less than 30%, but I found it both annoying and dangerous. I easily disabled both with an inexpensive (less than $20) clip in wiring defeat device. Their 6 speed transmissions now do as I say, although the dash instrument light still shows me what EPA would prefer.

Conversely, my two 1956 Ultramatics still lock up sooner than I would prefer, and one leaks enough F-type if it sits too long to be embarrassing. That alone is enough to make me drive both at least once a week when conditions are favorable. Now if I could get GM transmission life, usually north of 200 thousand miles before rebuilding is necessary, out of these Packard beauties, the world would be prettier. My last remaining two speed PowerGlide just turned 51 years with only seven fluid changes recorded since new. Still on the job with no complaints other than a bit too slow behind a six. If it were in a SBC, there would be no complaints at all.