Was the Magnum a manual transmission engine? Removal of the pilot bearing is necessary. I would think this would create enough clearance issue it would have been obvious. I think that bearing can get pushed farther in than it should, thus creating a little more room for the convertor hub. Usually if the convertor isn't seated properly, it'll wipe out the trans pump. All things considered, Rusty's diagnosis is probably spot on.irque converter and trans would never go together with the magnum bearing style in it