Hello doing a transmission change out on an 2002 Honda accord ex 2.3l and noticed when bolting up the new transmission the torque converter is smashing against the oil pan. Any ideas as to why?

 

Could the torque converter not be "set" all the way in? Not sure how it is on accord transmission, but most cars I have changed trans out of I normally have to spin the converter a little and it sets in deeper to the trans.

 

my first thought too. the converter installed correctly on the transmission input shaft and then pushed into the transmission until it stops should leave about a 3/4" gap to the flex plate when the bellhousing is bolted to the engine.

but the pic posted reminded me that the flex plate is between the oil pan and converter. the flex plate would have to be the cause of contact. the flex plate does sit close to the pan normally though. OP, are you sure there is contact with the pan?

side note: that looks like non-original hardware between the flex plate and converter. I would strongly encourage using OE hardware for this joint.