Technical Bulletin #010

Transmission: General Motors

Subject: Torque converters
Issue Date: September, 1990

General Motors
Torque Converters

298 mm Torque Converter

Figure 1

298 mm Identification
GM—Torque Converter Identification is easy once youkn ow what the I.D. codes mean. Although each digit of
the four digit code has its own meaning, the valve of each code letter or number is different for 298 mm and 245
mm torque converters.

Look at the I.D. code in figure 1. The torque converter in figure 1 is 298 mm in dia. The first digit refers to the
application. See the following chart.

B = 250 and 350 Transmissions

C = 200/200-4R 325-4L Transmissions & Pre 1985 700-R4
D = 1985 and later 700-R4 transmissions with the 30 spline input shaft

The second digit refers to the "K" factor. The "K" factor is an engineering term that means "the speed of one
member divided by the square root of the torque on the same member." This is calculated at stall conditions. On
a 298 mm torque you can multiply the "K" factor by 14.2574 to get the stall speed. Look at the chart on the top
of page 2 for a quick reference.

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Technical Bulletin #010
“K” FACTOR STALL
A = 142 = 2024
B = 140 = 1996
C = 135 = 1925
D = 130 = 1853
E = 115 = 1639
F = 110 = 1568
G = 100 = 1425
H = 97 = 1383
J = 89 = 1269
K = 85 = 1211

The third digit refers to the clutch type, capacity & travel in degrees.

0= No Clutch
1= 300 ft/lb 43 degrees travel
2= 240 ft/lb 46 degrees travel
3= 290 ft/lb 44 degrees travel Poppet Valve
4= 160 ft/lb 37 degrees travel
5= 220 ft/lb 35 degrees travel
6= 195 ft/lb 42 degrees travel
7= 195 ft/lb 30 degrees travel Poppet Valve
8= 300 ft/lb 44 degrees travel
9= 290 ft/lb 44 degrees travel *Static Open Poppet Valve
A= 300 ft/lb 29 degrees travel
B= 300 ft/lb 44 degrees travel
C= 330 ft/lb 28 degrees travel

* A static open poppet valve is normally open and closes during acceleration.

The fourth digit refers to the cover style, the number of mountin lugs & the method of welding the lugs (see the
chart below).

"A" = Open cover (No converter clutch), 3 lugs with one weld per lub.
(Gas)
"B" = Open cover (No converter clutch), 3 lugs with three welds per lug.
(Diesel)
"C" = Converter clutch type, 3 lugs with one weld per lub.
(Gas)
"D" = Converter clutch type, 3 lugs with 180 degree weld on each lug.
(Diesel)
"E" = Converter clutch type, 6 lugs with 180 degree weld on each lug.
(Diesel)
"F" = Converter clutch type, 3 lugs, 245 mm style lug.

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 Technical Bulletin #010
Look at the I.D. tag on the torque converter in figure 1. It's easy to see that it fits a late 700-R4 with the large
input shaft (the first digit is a "D"). It has a 1996 stall speed (the second digit is a "B").

It has a damper assembly rated at 300 ft/lb. of torque and can twist 44 degrees (the third digit is an 8). Finally it
has three lugs with 180 degree welds on each lug and belongs in a diesel (the fourth digit is a "D").

245 mm Torque Converter

Figure 2

245 mm Identification
The 245 mm dia torque converfter I.D. code works the same way as the 298 mm converters, but with different
meanings.

The first digit of a 245 mm converter refers to the application (see the following chart).

F = Front wheel drive

H = Rear wheel drive (except THM 180’s)
S = THM 180

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Technical Bulletin #010
The second digit is the "K" factor. The chart below shows the "K" factor for each code along with the stall
speed. NOTE: The "K" factor on a 245 mm torque converter is multiplied by 11.6438 to get the stall speed.

Code “K” Factor Stall Speed

A = 240 = 2795
B = 220 = 2560
C = 205 = 2385
D = 180 = 2095
E = 160 = 1860
F = 148 = 1720
G = 140 = 1630
H = 130 = 1514
J = 177 = 2061
K = 237 = 2760
L = 163 = 1897
M = 131 = 1525
N = 218 = 2538
Y = 122 = 1420
Z = 203 = 2363

The third digit refers to the clutch type

Code Damper Type

0 = No converter clutch
1 = 120 ft/lb
2 = 104 ft/lb
3 = 170ft/lb
4 = 215ft/lb Heavy Duty
5 = 215 ft/lb *RTC
6 = 170 ft/lb Heavy Duty
7 = 215 ft/lb *RTC Heavy Duty
8 = Viscous Clutch
9 = 240 ft/lb
A = 215 ft/lb
B = 215 ft/lb *RTC

* RTC = Reverse Torque Control (poppet valve)

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 Technical Bulletin #010
The fourth digit (optional) refers to the type of cover used. See figure 10.

Code Cover Type (Application)

A = FWD 208.2 mm Bolt Circle
B = FWD 237.0 mm Bolt Circle
C = FWD 237.0 mm Bolt Circle (Viscous Clutch)
D = RWD 247.65 mm Bolt Circle
E = RWD 237.0 mm Bolt Circle, No Converter Clutch*
F = RWD 237.0 mm Bolt Circle *
G = RWD 247.65 mm Bolt Circle *
H = RWD 247.65 mm Bolt Circle, No Converter Clutch*
K = RWD 237.0 mm Bolt Circle, No Converter Clutch*
P = THM 180 Isuzu
R = THM 180 Opel
S = THM 180 BMW

* 180 degree weld on each lug

Look at the code on the torque converter in figure 6. You can easily identify it as a front wheel drive model.
(The first code is an "F"). The stall speed is 2760 (the second code is a "K"), and it has a damper assembly rated
at 120 ft/lb's (the third code is a "1". Notice that the fourth code has been omitted.

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