flexplate->torque converter bolts

[defiance]

so I'm putting the transmission on my engine and I realize the flexplate to torque converter bolts are 5/16" fine thread... and I'm looking at these bolts... and yeah, they fit... but these things are TINY!  Four of these little suckers handle the movement of power from the engine to the transmission?? really??  They seem so small... 

Has anyone ever had these little guys fail on them?  Or am I just inventing something to worry about?

[mindless1]

Which motor and transmission is it? 
If you have the HP 440 or Hemi style torque converter I believe the bolts are a thicker spec than all others.  I have a 440 with 727 - no problems.
I just went through a transmission swap recently and had the same concerns but the strength of the bolts regarding in a sheer direction is apparently enough, as I've never ever heard of anyone having trouble (though I'm sure it has happened when an under spec trans gets a built motor put behind it).    I did have a problem with my install however, within a few thousand miles more than one of the bolts became loose despite gobs of loctice (which is an absolute must - get the high strength stuff).  I wonder if the bolts need to be necked/shouldered more than they are. 
a quick search shows a few threads about this: 
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,26577.0.html
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,18709.0.html

[RD]

so I'm putting the transmission on my engine and I realize the flexplate to torque converter bolts are 5/16" fine thread... and I'm looking at these bolts... and yeah, they fit... but these things are TINY!  Four of these little suckers handle the movement of power from the engine to the transmission?? really??  They seem so small... 

Has anyone ever had these little guys fail on them?  Or am I just inventing something to worry about?

your inventing something to worry about.  The flexplate, itself, will go before those hardened bolts will.

[Rolling_Thunder]

they're fine dude -  but yes - thought the same thing when I did an auto

[Ghoste]

And if we could see how much that flexplate moves around with various heat and torque loads, that would likely scare us all too.

[62 Max]

Which motor and transmission is it? 
If you have the HP 440 or Hemi style torque converter I believe the bolts are a thicker spec than all others.  I have a 440 with 727 - no problems.
I just went through a transmission swap recently and had the same concerns but the strength of the bolts regarding in a sheer direction is apparently enough, as I've never ever heard of anyone having trouble (though I'm sure it has happened when an under spec trans gets a built motor put behind it).    I did have a problem with my install however, within a few thousand miles more than one of the bolts became loose despite gobs of loctice (which is an absolute must - get the high strength stuff).  I wonder if the bolts need to be necked/shouldered more than they are. 
a quick search shows a few threads about this: 
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,26577.0.html
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,18709.0.html

Do you realize how many millions  since they started using flex plates and bolts ? I doubt its ever really been an issue to worry about.Incidental,I have never used loc-tite ( and I doubt many mfgr's have used it either) on any converter bolts and  have yet to have the first one come loose.That's my opinion,others may disagree.

[Nacho-RT74]

I have to say in pro of the converter bolts that you'll never get too much torque OVER the bolts. Remember torque converter mainly slip up to the stall speed so, bolts keeps safe...THEN when gets the stalll car already have the inertia to keep the bolts safe yet. On any moment the converter will slips before get the torque over the bolts

those are my thoughts! I can be wrong. Is just That I already thought on that and analized.

[defiance]

Cool - Really, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't overlooking something and putting it together wrong

[SeattleCharger]