A core ring for a torque converter comprising: an annular body portion including an inner concave surface, an outer convex surface, an inner circumferential edge, and an outer circumferential edge; a plurality of blade tab slots for receiving a plurality of blades; and at least one positioning element including material protruding axially inward from the inner concave surface to form a tip of the positioning element for aligning a stator. A method for installing a torque converter onto a transmission is also provided.