Torque converter ticking?

[Mnt86SS]

Just recently my 87 GN has developed a ticking sound. At first it gave me a minor heart attack, as it sounded like valvetrain noise, but lower in the engine bay. After throwing it on the lift and running it, it's definitely coming from the converter / flexplate area.

I disconnected the converter and started the car, and no more ticking.

So before I rip the trans out, I'm wondering if this is a converter issue or a trans pump issue? I was having problems with the converter not wanting to unlock at low speeds, even after replacing the TCC valve. And as I spin the converter while it's disconnected, I can hear a faint clicking noise.

The current combo on the car is:
TA49 Turbo
50lb injectors
Turbo tweek chip set for 16lbs on 93
LT1 Maf and translator
Front mount intercooler
No cat
3 inch downpipe with external Turbonetics wastegate
Walbro 255 with hotwire kit

Basically the usual GN bolt on stuff. The torque converter is stock. Supposedly the trans was rebuilt before I got it, but assuming it wasn't, the car has 83k miles on it.

What do you guys think?

 

[TurboTGuy]

Coverter bolt getting loose?

 

[LANDAU LIMITED]

My car developed a tick in the same area. I did the exact same thing. When I went to hook the converter back up my crankshaft went clunking forward. I threw a indicator on the front balancer and saw .038" endplay. I hope yours is something easy and not this but with the converter disconnected try prying the crankshaft back and forth.

 

[blackazz]

You might have a cracked flywheel .only way to find out is drop the transmission.

 

[Mnt86SS]

Coverter bolt getting loose?

That's what I was hoping for, but nope, they were on so tight I needed a 3ft breaker bar to loosen em up.

I guess I'll pull the trans tomorrow and see what's up.