Aligning a bellhousing for a tremec 5spd?
 

Hi all, I'm trying to install my new 5spd. tranny and I have a question for those who have done this swap. In the directions it states that you need to measure the concentricity of the bellhouse opening with a dial indicator mounted to the crankshaft flange. How did you mount your indicator? Did you make a custom mount/bracket? I can't figure out how to mount the indicator dead center on the crank. Any ideas?:bigears

The dial doesn't have to be dead center on the crank. Just set up an indicator with a magnetic base on the flywheel with the stylus on the edge of the opening. Then rotate the crankshaft and watch the dial. It will tell you how far out the hole is in relation to the center of the crank.

I made one up, here's a photo of what I used:

http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/r...n/IMG_1410.jpg

This assumes that your pilot bushing, crankshaft and flywheel are all concentric, and the guide pins are tight in the bell housing holes. They will be if all the parts used are good pieces.

Here ya go. http://www.priveye.com/images/lakewood.htm

I used the classic chevy 5 kit on my 1960, they have pretty good instructions for doing this procedure - in fact if you look at their website, they have a video showing how to do this.

Using their instructions, the dial instrument does not need to be exactly in the center - if it offset that is OK - this is because you are measuring alignment at 12, 3 6 and 9 o'clock - you subtract those two measurements and divide by 2 giving a relative measurement - it takes a while to get use to this idea but once you do it a couple of time, it makes sense.

A couple of things that made it easier for me was using the adjustable dowel pins they suggest in the video - BIG IMPROVEMENT. Also take out the spark plugs because you are going to be turning the motor over many times trying to get it aligned.

bret:flag::flag:

Thanks guys! All this info is greatly appreciated!!!:thumbs::thumbs:

:iagree: But don't run out and buy a set of adjustable pins unless you really have to have them. I bolted a stock bellhousing onto a new engine with stock guide pins and it was only .001" off. I hope you have such good fortune.:thumbs:

I'll let you know!:thumbs:

Don't need exact center as you are trying see offset. Take multiple readings 180° apart and use 1/2 the difference EX. -10° and a 0° reading would give you a 5° offset.

Hard to see but dial indicator I iused was big to it is inside bell and I had to use mirror to read :) :).

George

http://www.stl-vettes.com/65vette/re...s/dsc06676.jpg

Yes our was only .002 off, trans in in 1 hour !

Thanks George! That's exactly the way my indicator will have to be set up because it's to big. I'll get my readings tomorrow and see what I've got.
Man! I hope I'm that lucky!:thumbs:

Browell makes a great tool for centering bellhousings - bolt the spindle to the crank, load the bellhousing, slide the ring on the tool, then into the opening, and adjust the Lakewood dowel pins until the ring slips in without interference. Nails it every time. :thumbs:

Excellent tool! :thumbs:

Went to the site and cannot find one, do you have a part # on it? I assume it has different sleeves for different bells ID's ?

Don't forget to be sure you have bell parallel between front and rear mounting surfaces as well, equally important!

Bill

Bill:

:iagree: no info on the Browell site. They have pictures, but no part number or price. I guess you would need to call and inquire. Phone (765) 447-2292.

An article from the Camaro Forum indicated a retail cost of this tool of $125 in 2007. Probably a bit higher now.

Let's see if John has additional/latest info.

Larry

I like what I see with the tool :thumbs: And I will need to do the same thing as Pletner when I put our 5 speed in but since it will probably be a one shot deal I'll stick with my old but effective small magnetic base with last word indicator. Excellent information given :cheers: