Despite doing numerous motor swaps, this is the first time I've ever installed a tranny while the motor is still in the car. Should the tranny mount up completely flush to the block before I thread the tranny bolts? It seems like we can only get it half way in... basically the input splines will slide into the clutch but the smaller nipple on the tranny input shaft will not slide into the pilot bearing...Could this be an clutch alignment issue, I used the alignment tool but do I need to force it into position while tightening the pressure plate bolts. Please help, we've spent 2+ hrs trying to slide the tranny into place

 

bump, hope someone can help you out quick, i know how bad it sucks to need info fast and not get it

 

i had the same question last week during my gsr clutch install.
the answer is no the tranny bolts will pull the tranny to the block.
i tried for an hour to get it flush only to have a buddy of mine tell me the deal.
just make sure to start all the bolts before tightening any of them.

 

i will do mine tom, il let u guys know but if i can remember clearly, i think it should go right it to the spline without any problem...il let u guys know tom when u put mine up

 

yea if you try to line it up before hand you will be out there all night thinking youre doing it wrong...you will probably even damage the splines trying to force it flush...just line up the splines...itll sit on a tilt...catch the holes with the bolts....and tighten accordingly ....it will line up and the engine will go back to its stantionary positions [with the tranny off it should sit at a tilt]

 

I just installed a clutch last week and had the same problem. I couldn't get the tranny to go flush to the engine, I had about a half inch to go. So I started the upper two bolts to the block and then went under the car and started the two down on the engine side so that it went in flush. I was sooooooooo nervous that I was going to damage the splines or the clutch, but it all worked out fine.

BTW, I was by myself and used a cinder block and cut 2x4's to get the tranny as close as possible to the right hight, then I used brute strenth from above reaching over the passenger side fender, lifting the tranny into the block, then starting the top two bolts. My back still feels alittle stiff from it, lol.