Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Using a flat bladed screwdriver, remove the transmission torque converter access plug.

Fig 1: Transmission Torque Converter Access Plug
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Align one of the torque converter bolt holes with the driveline support assembly access hole, if necessary.
Carefully rotate the torque converter, working through the access holes in the rear bellhousing and the transmission housing.

Fig 2: Aligning Torque Converter Bolt Holes With Driveline Support Assembly Access Hole
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Align one of the flexplate bolt holes with the driveline support assembly access hole, if necessary.
1. 3.1. Remove the J 42386-A from the engine flywheel.
2. 3.2. Slowly turn the engine flywheel through the starter motor opening until the desired flexplate bolt hole lines up with the torque converter bolt hole.
3. 3.3. Install the J 42386-A to the engine flywheel, in order to keep the flywheel from turning.
  
  Fig 3: Aligning One Of Flexplate Bolt Holes With Driveline Support Assembly Access Hole
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.

Important: HAND-START the flexplate to torque converter bolts before torquing to ensure proper alignment and to avoid cross threading.

Important: Carefully WALK the transmission torque converter to the transmission flywheel through the torque converter access plug opening, if necessary. DO NOT use the bolts to draw the torque converter to the flexplate.
Install the flexplate to torque converter bolt through the driveline support assembly access hole.
HAND-TIGHTEN until FINGER-TIGHT, then torque to specification.

Tighten

Tighten the flexplate to torque converter bolt to 63 N.m (47 lb ft).

Fig 4: Installing Flexplate To Torque Converter Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the J 42386-A from the engine flywheel.
Turn the engine flywheel slowly until the next bolt holes line up with the rear bellhousing access hole.
Install the J 42386-A to the engine flywheel, in order to keep the flywheel from turning.
Repeat steps 4 through 7 to install the 2 remaining bolts.

Fig 5: Installing Flywheel Holding Tool To Engine Flywheel
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the J 42386-A from the engine flywheel.

Fig 6: Removing Flywheel Holding Tool From Engine Flywheel
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the torque converter access plug.

Fig 7: Torque Converter Access Plug
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the driveline support assembly access plug.
Install the starter motor. Refer to STARTER MOTOR .
Remove the catalytic converter assembly. Refer to CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT in Engine Exhaust.
Lower the vehicle.
Connect the negative battery cable.
Tighten

Tighten the negative battery cable bolt to 15 N.m (11 lb ft).
Program the transmitters.
Run the engine and inspect for the presence of vibration, repair if necessary. Refer to FLEXPLATE/TORQUE CONVERTER VIBRATION TEST .

Fig 8: Driveline Support Assembly Access Plug
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.