OK, I got my con-ofe in. Trying to line up the pilot bearing. I was able to get the trans into the splines on the clutch and within about .75" to 1.25" of mating up with the engine. I fought with this thing for HOURS with no luck. Bell housing bolts line up, I could start bolts just couldn't get it to slide the rest of the way in.

Here's what I did: I didn't have a real trans jack just an add-on plate to my floor jack. So, using that and 2 other jacks I positioned everything and began putting the bolts in. I was able to get most of them in about 1/2" by hand. From there I worked my way around the engine tightening each bolt about 1 or 2 turns at time to try to keep things from binding up. I only used a small 3/8" drive and very moderate force. At about 1/4" to 3/8" away the trans slipped right in.

The only thing I'm a little worried about is if I could "pressed" the pilot bearing back into or thru the flywheel, towards the engine(this is the replacement flywheel for the g56). Everything went together pretty easy once i started tightening th bolts.

Anybody know if it's possible to press the bearing in too far? How hard or easy would it be to do it? Could I have screwed up anything else doing it this way?

thanks,
jeff

 

Jeff,
If it runs fine dont worry about it.
I usually have to walk my tranny in by alternating the bolts like you did.

I also have a tranny jack but still have to walk it in.

With the Heavy duty bearing sbc supplies with their flywheel I doubt you damaged it.
I am sure SBC only machines the flywheel deep enough for the bearing to sit flush (ie no too deep conditions)

 

I don't know if my shoulder could handle having to do it all over again so soon.



Thanks,
jeff

 

I have only done mine twice but both time I "walked" it in. I wouldnt worry.