The Engine I am using is a freshly rebuilt 454 with zero miles, rather than go into great detail on it now, please click here (coming soon) for more information.   The transmission I am using is a freshly rebuilt 700r4 purchased from Bowtie Overdrives, here is a link to the page with information on it as well.

Since it is much easier to install the engine and transmission as one unit, I decided to go that route.  The first order of business was to install the flexplate onto the engine.  Normally that would sound pretty simple, but I found out the hard way (when I tried to bolt the converter to it), the late model OD transmission requires a dual bolt pattern flexplate.  Once I got the correct flexplate, I could then proceed to install the converter onto the transmission.  The first step was to fill the torque converter with transmission fluid, this must be done because starting a transmission with no fluid in the converter can cause serious damage to the transmission...simply filling the trans with fluid once installed won’t cut it.   Once the converter was filled, I slid it on the transmission (making sure to seat it properly), if not seated all the way the transmission will not bolt up to the engine.   Once that was finished I bolted the transmission to the engine, bolted down the converter to the flexplate, and then dropped the complete assembly into the chassis.

Update

Due to some bad luck with the individual who originally rebuilt the engine for me, I was forced to pull the engine and transmission back out of the frame in order to re-rebuild the engine (with a different mechanic!).  While I was very unhappy about having to backtrack and do this...I am glad I noticed these mistakes now rather than after the truck was all assembled and ready to fire.  The engine and transmission are now back in the frame, with a whole new look to boot!  Stay tuned for more information and pictures.

Fabricated fuel regulator mounting bracket.

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