I stuck the clutch, pressure plate and bell on the engine probably a month or so ago, it took forever it seemed, to get the right clutch alignment tool. Don't order it from Jegs, they sent the wrong one, and have no tech specs on them to figure what is needed. I believe they sent me one for a I dunno, it fits my pilot bearing, but is bigger than the t5 input shaft.
I stopped on the project for bit, simply cuz I still needed a few parts and thought about figuring cheap or near free ways to get them, and then said screw it, just buy em and be done with it.
Got the trans itself installed to day:
I used the all thread in the bottom holes to get things started after the input shaft was started. Then used 2 bolts in top holes to draw it up the rest of the way. Finger tight first to ensure most of threads in the AL bell housing so wouldn't strip em. In the future I think I will do this the way I did the automatics, which is with the bell on the trans. I just don't have the strength anymore to push 85 pounds around and line up the front over on the trans jack.
I don't think I'm gonna have to cut sheet metal here. My car is an early 86 I think. I have to look at my build date again, but it's like Feb 86. Anyhow Ghost said he removed a piece that was riveted at the front of the hole, and mine is already at the back from the factory, so I don't think I gotta do anything to enlarge the hole here. Will check again when I get the rest of the trans mount bolts tight, and line up the driveshaft. If I ever have to have the trans out again I might spend the money to get the Camarobird tailshaft, and housing this is really far forward, more than I expected it to be. But I guess that's what angled shift handles are for
I'm using the stock C3 trans mount turned around 180°, and the little adapter that Ghost made when this trans was in his car.
Wow, my brake pedal is high, like a whole inch plus above the gas, and my tiny 7 and half foot is so big that I won't need to worry about heel toe
I did take a brake pedal and clutch pedal from a manual XR, I think it was an 85. I did not reuse the sheet metal piece that wraps around the clutch pedal, as it seems rigid enough without it. Of course, if I have to take the brake pedal out to figure out why its so high, I'll put it in, I just couldn't get it in once the brake pedal was back in the car.
Now, having driven stock shifters I have no regrets. The Triax changes the whole thing. Totally worth it.
