[ITSBACK]

I read here somewhere that if your using a block plate you should use a thicker pilot bushing. It makes sense but not sure if needed. I’m using a Lakewood housing with block plate and a Tremec TKO 600. It makes sense so if needed where do I find one? The housing and tranny are off so nows the time if needed.
Thank you!!

[Formulajones]

Hmm, the TKO requires a roller bearing for precise alignment keeping that input shaft located since it uses a taper bearing, and because Tremec does not want to see any drag on the input..

To date I have not seen an elongated needle bearing pilot setup for the input. I've installed a couple with a block plate on Chevrolets and Fords and still had plenty of pilot engagement with the stock bearing. Not sure on a Pontiac.

Have you taken any measurements for a ball park idea what you have?

[ITSBACK]

I have not looked at all, but I’m seeing you say they prefer a bearing over a bushing on the TKO. Maybe I should just order that then to prevent any drag as you said.

[Formulajones]

It's just one of Tremec's recommendations. People always complain of sticky shifting with these TKO's. So Tremec wants a rollerized pilot bearing for a couple reasons. It is precisely made to fit snug over the input and keep it centered, and they don't want any friction dragging the input shaft when you push the clutch in. If the input doesn't spin freely it does cause sticky shifting.
It's also a big reason why they won't warranty a transmission if the bellhousing hasn't been checked and perfectly centered within .005" That input shaft being nearly perfectly centered and having that roller bearing are determining factors at how well the trans will shift and keep premature wear happening on the input bearing and gears.

I've noticed the typical bronze pilot bushings don't really fit snug on the shaft anyway so even if the bellhousing isn't centered and off several thou, the trans still slides in. Works with a Muncie and it's ball bearing input, but not preferred with a TKO and it's tapered bearing.

I know, that still doesn't answer your question on length using a block plate. I'd be curious what you find.

[ITSBACK]

Well, when I pull the hydraulic throw out off and the bell housing off the tranny and mount it to align with the block plate I’ll measure out from the back of the bushing and the face of the housing and tranny housing to end of input. I’ll follow up, but I appreciate the info. I think I’ll order a pilot bearing also.

[gtobob67]

Autogear has an extended pilot bushing for Pontiac

[ITSBACK]

I appreciate the info guys

[KEN CROCIE]

apply some white grease to the input shaft, slide the trans into place, remove the trans and use the grease witness mark to visualize input to pilot engagement

[ITSBACK]

Great idea!!

[geeteeohguy]

I just went through this with my '61 Chevy which runs the Lakewood shield and block saver plate and a BW ST-10. Like the Tremec, the ST-10 has a tight tolerance input shaft (unlike a Muncie) which won't tolerate slop. I went to Paul at 5Speeds.com and he set me up with an extended pilot bushing that is pure brass (not oilight bronze). I had to verify the bellhousing trueness to the block and dial it in to .005" run-out. (This is a necessity and can be done with off-set dowel pins). Paul stated that the input shaft needs to be fully supported, not just at it's tip, so the extended bushing takes up the clearance. I run the stock roller bearing in my '65 GTO with its Muncie, but I see no issue running a bushing in a Pontiac as long as the bell housing is true to the engine block and the run-out is within spec. You'll be fine.

[Tom Vaught]

After I had a pilot bearing fail, I have run a bushing in my vehicle for the last 50+ years.
And the bushings were oilight bronze bushings in front of a manual trans that was beat on constantly.

Tom V.

[ITSBACK]

I went bushing as I felt if it failed it wouldn’t damage the input shaft as a failed bearing might. Maybe thinking to far out of the box but being an elevator technician I’ve seen failed machine bearings destroy the shaft they were running on.

[Tom Vaught]

I had to replace the input shaft on my Muncie because of the Pilot Bearing failure so it can happen. Smart move in my opinion if you do anything but pure street driving.

Tom V.

[Tom Vaught]

I purchased a 26 spline new input shaft to use as a clutch disc alignment tool when I install the pressure plate. Used a 10 spline input shaft for years and a complete Nash trans on a wheeled transmission cart under the vehicle one time.

Very nice piece and cheap for the benefits of having one in the tool box.

Tom V.