Hi there, I have two unrelated questions here. I recently picked up a 99 Trailblazer 4x4 4 door with a rod knock. Rebuilt the engine, it's back in and I'm trying to work out a few kinks.

First, does anyone know if I disconnect the flex plate from the torque converter, push the torque converter back in to the bell housing, is there enough room to access the flexplate to crankshaft bolts? I did not put lock-tite on these and fear they may be coming loose, getting a bit of a whirring sound when idling in park and heard a little chirp when I started it today. Going to take a look in there tomorrow and see whats up.

Second, fuel pressure or MAF sensor? I initially had problems starting the engine, would crank about 8 times. Did a leakdown test, FPR and fuel pump leak, replaced the FPR and fuel filter. Now it starts good but hesitates and bogs at wot. I all most feel a little buck sometimes when cruising at 2200 rpm.
Ignition on and pump priming - 64 psi
After prime it drops to 54 psi.
Leaks to 36 psi after 5 mins.
50 psi at idle
Jumps to 59 psi at wot.
Is this enough fuel pressure? I know the check valve leaks, I put a valve in the fuel line to isolate the pump for a pressure leak down test. Is the fuel pump whats causing all my trouble?

No CEL comes on, idles great. Thanks for your input, have a good one.