Cutting open a torque converter

I would consider doing this...................with reservations.

BALANCE. By cutting up the converter, you've destroyed any "balance" situation anyway, AS YOU HAVE JUST massively changed the rotating mass. Besides, you sure as 'ell aren't gonna get "that thing" balanced again, anyhow.

CONCERN. Unless you are using a heavier, aftermarket flex, I'd be a little leery. You have removed a large amount of support for the converter, and are now pretty much relying on the 4 attachment bolts.

After all, they do call these a "flex plate."

On the other hand, I assume you won't be turning this up 7K, or will ya? If all you want to do is run it, check it out, break in the cam, probably will be fine.

I'm lucky. I still have the scattershield and flywheel out of the old FJ-40