Since last August I've been pretty busy with going to school full time, but in between classes I made time to replace the TKO600 with a T56 Magnum from
Bowler.
Obviously I started with the removal of the TKO600.
Next I installed the LS7 flywheel and block protector. Since I wanted to check the bellhousing alignment and I couldn't get the dial indicator's base to sit securely on the flywheel bolts, I cut a 1/4” thick plate for it to attach to. Not only did the base sit flat and secure, it also made the center post stick further through the hole in the trans plate making it a little easier to attach the dial indicator.
Following that I installed the
Quicktime bellhousing and the front plate from the T56. First I checked to make sure the bell was parallel to the block (it was)…
Then I checked concentricity and came up with a total runout of .007”.
Let me back up a bit. Prior to the Quicktime bellhousing, I had originally bought a stock aluminum bellhousing but ran into an issue with the starter not fitting. After doing a little research, it turns out this is common depending on which version of starter and bellhousing you use. At first I did a little grinding on the starter nose to make it fit.
Here you can see where the starter nose hit the aluminum bell (marked with copper color).
I could have ground on the bell to make room, but I acquired a $250 gift certificate to Bowler, so I exchanged the aluminum bell for the Quicktime thinking I wouldn’t have any fitment issues.
Turns out I had the same issue with the Quicktime, so out came the grinder!
In this pic, you see on the left before I clearanced the block protector and on the right after.
