T-5 Swap Dowel Pins

dbdragracing · Apr 20, 2008

T-5 Swap Flywheel Dowel Pins

I am in the middle of my AOD to T-5 swap. I noticed when installing my pressure plate to the flywheel the bolt kit came with dowels, but the instructions don't mention anything about them. I got the instructions on this website. Everything bolted up right without the dowel pins....is this safe or do I need to install them? Thanks.

dbdragracing · Apr 21, 2008

ttt. Really need help with these dowel pins...I already have the tranny installed and the driveshaft back in place. Do I need these dowel pins or is it ok without them? Thanks.

SVT32VDOHC · Apr 21, 2008

The dowel pins are used to align the bell housing to ensure the bell housing is perfectly centered.

You are supposed to tap then into the block, then place the bell housing on them, and put your bolts in. See....the dowel pins fit in the holes off the bell housing tighter than the bolts, so it might be possible it may be off center.

There is a tool you can use to align the bell, but you don't need it if you have dowel pins.

dbdragracing · Apr 21, 2008

I have the dowels in the block to align the bell housing. The dowels I left out fit into the flywheel and align the pressure plate. I got the pressure plate and everything mounted fine without the dowel pins. Do I need to remove everyhing and install these dowels in the flywheel? Thanks.

dbdragracing · Apr 21, 2008

ttt...really need help so I can start the car and get it to the muffler shop. Please let me know if you think I need the flywheel dowels. Thanks for ANY help!

BlownFiveLiter · Apr 21, 2008

I hate to tell you thiis, but yes, you need them. The flywheel dowel pins are actually what makes the pressure plate and flywheel into one unit. The bolts are there to secure the pressure plate to the flywheel, but don't have the same hardness as the dowel pins, and you could shear them off and lose the pressure plate. They're meant strictly to clamp the pressure plate to the flywheel, whereas the dowel pins take the brunt of the force from the friction and keep it properly aligned.

dbdragracing · Apr 21, 2008

Well I guess the transmission will be coming back out! Thanks for the help.

dbdragracing · Apr 21, 2008

Ok up in the air again about the flywheel dowel pins...local mechanic says they do not matter. If the car starts and there is no vibration...dont worry about it and most cars don't use them. Please post your ideas/experience...I have time to work on the car tomorrow. Thanks.

Mustang5L5 · Apr 21, 2008

I'd put em in.

If your mechanic is wrong...if he going to give you his leg when your clutch comes off and shears yours off?

dbdragracing · Apr 21, 2008

hum....that sounds like a valid point! Guess the tranny will come out tomorrow!

BYRDPE · Apr 22, 2008

Ok..I have first hand experience with this. My car was orginally an AOD car til I did the swap 4-5 years ago. I didn't install the dowels and my car vibrated like a mofo after 1500 rpms til about 4500 rpms. I drove it like this for over two years. However, when I installed my H/C/I and blower I took it to the track and smoked my KC during the first run. When I pulled tranny to install my new CFDF clutch I made sure I installed the dowels and I had zero vibrations after the install.
When I did the T5 swap and I experienced vibrations I posted on this board to ask what the issue was and I was told it was the dowels. I was too lazy to remove the tranny and add the dowels so I just lived with it since it was not my DD.
I can tell you this..the vibrations were very annoying.
Good luck!!

dbdragracing · Apr 22, 2008

Thanks for the reply...I will be installing the dowels Friday...ran out of time today! Later.

SVT32VDOHC · Apr 22, 2008

Sorry, I misunderstood your question. I would put them back it too. When I had my flywheel turned, the machine shop guy, is like...."Man, one of your dowel pins is sheard off, let me get it out for you, and install a new one. These are very important." I let him do it, and I'm glad I did. I don't have any issues. He didn't even charge me for it either. I trust the guy too, they build performance stuff for local guys all the time, and I have gone there for years.

Besides, those bolts you put into the flywheel are only supposed to be toruqed from 12-24ft lbs. That is what my clutch directions said anyways. I put them at like 16...(right in the middle) That isn't very tight, so the dowel pins will help secure it.

Mustang5L5 · Apr 22, 2008

Yeah don't fool around at all when it comes to clutch/flywheel components. Every time i dig into there i get all brand new bolts. If something lets go in there...it could take off a leg.

My motto is do it right the first time and don't cut corners

dbdragracing · Apr 22, 2008

Thanks for the help. I've already made plans to install them Friday. Later.

dbdragracing · Apr 27, 2008

Dowel pins are in! Thanks for all the help.

Mustang5L5 · Apr 27, 2008

Good to hear!

T-5 Swap Dowel Pins

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