Hello,

I'm swapping in a 5.3 L33/T-56 into my '82 S10 truck. This is not the first clutch I've installed but it is the first time I've had to measure total indicated runout for the installation. I asked my transmission kit vendor (American Powertrain) and they recommended the QuickTime RM-130 alignment plate. I bought that and installed my bellhousing and plate.

My magnetic base dial indicator isn't the nicest piece, so I ended up having to make a piece of flat stock to connect the magnetic base itself to the shaft where my dial indicator attaches. I put the base on the flywheel, and the dial indicator mount was pretty much centered on the crank.

When I measured the runout I measured about .001 max. That surprised me, so I checked it a couple more times and again the next day, and it repeated so I assume it's okay. I checked the dial indicator every 90 degrees of crank rotation and didn't have much of any runout at all. Since this was engine was originally with an automatic transmission, and it's an aftermarket bellhousing, I was half-expecting to see more runout than that.

Here are a couple of photos showing the setup. Did I do this right? Thoughts?




Here's the dial indicator on its shaft measuring the center ring. It's tip is riding about the middle of the opening.



Here is the magnetic base on the flyhweel, my flatstock extension, and the dial indicator shaft.

 

Hi Jay.

I would try and get the dial flatter / facing the trans. so the indicator points as perpedicukar to the i.d. of your plate as possible.

 

Just to follow up, I was able to re-work my setup and get my magnetic base to cooperate long enough to eliminate the extension piece I made. (Sorry, no pictures this time)

I measured it a few more times, and always ended up with .001 out, max. I think it's repeatable enough for me to believe it. I still wish I had a better dial indicator (this one was a gift many years ago)...