My transmission mechanic says just pour in four quarts of fluid, crank the car, and then continue adding until full.

Some say to add a quart or two to the torque converter before installing onto the transmission.

Does it matter? Should I add fluid to the torque converter?

 

YES! If not thats the main source for metalic debrise in a pan. The fins inside the converter. I sugest priming the converter with atleast 2 quarts. Ensure you get both splines lined up installing it. add untill full... start the engine and continue filling untill hot. I believe the converter dependant on size can hold atleast 4 quarts then another 1-2 in the cooler and lines and about 4-4.5 in the pan. Make sure you have enuff to fill it all the way up.

 

We put the converter in dry. Put 4 quarts in the transmission when you get everything bolted in. After initial 4, start car for 3 second, and then shut off. Add 4 more quarts, then start car and leave it running. Continue adding until it shows full on the stick. A stock pan 4L60E with a 12" converter will take near 14 quarts.

Frank

 

Revise: You may want a little in it to lubricate untill the pump picks up the fluid from the pan and sends it to the converter.
Link below: priming a converter from gmperformance.
http://www.gmhightechperformance.com.../photo_13.html
And here is a pic of the internals. My rule of thumb is if you would lube lifters prior to start why wouldnt you lube a converter?