Trans is back in and I did take it for a 20 minute rip today even though it was 4000 degrees outside. Everything fought me from getting the trans to slide in, pedal return spring, exhaust. Just one of those deals.
I ended up taking half my jack rod and wedging the clutch pedal down and it slid right in! Haven't had that problem with the real input shaft clutch alignment tool in the past.
As usual, I can't leave anything alone. I decided to swap to an aluminum flywheel. I had Jason Pettis balance it before sending it my way. He always recommends balancing anything from a manufacturer.(Clutch pack, flywheel) He has better equipment and always finds them to be out of balance to some degree. The old steel flywheel was 30 lbs. The new McLeod aluminum comes out to 14 lbs.
The trans feels sharper and the shifter has really shortened the throws. 3/2 & 2/1 downshifts are definitely better. 3rd seems to find home easier while 4th/5th feel about the same. The work definitely netted me an noticable improvement. Buttonwillow next month will test out the repeated high rpm shifting. My 1-2 shift still isn't perfect. It's still the notchiest gear but it has improved. I'm going to adjust the clutch a hair tighter for more disc disengagement. I'm happier with the trans and that was my goal.
I regards to the aluminum flywheel. I love it!!! This engine isn't radical and it eats up that aluminum flywheel with NO problem. I can still take off with very little throttle. It's really changed the whole feel of the car. It revs so much faster and has really upt the anty in terms of a performance feel. The car even seems to take off better. It's crisp and more fun to drive! RPM matching is easier. Man, I wish I would've done this a long time ago. High reving big block torque and aluminum flywheels should sleep together every chance they get!
It just doesn't feel like 489 cubic inches..... I can't wait to drive it again.