I removed an automatic trans from a 73 Olds 350 engine and am now trying to install a pilot bearing into the crank for a 4 speed. The automatic crank, obviously had no pilot bearing, so I went down to NAPA and bought the bearing. The OD is 1.378 inches and the hole for the bearing in the crank is 1.360 inches. Now, is it that a standard trans. crank has a larger hole? Does this crank have to be taken out and machined for the bearing? I don't see how the 1.378 bearing will fit into a 1.360 hole. A press fit is usually .001 to .0015 larger, but .018 thousands is way too big. Does anyone have any input to this problem? I need help, thank you, Robert Brown.

OK, after posting my problem, I found Supercars Unlimited that solved my problem. My thoughts were correct. The automatic crank in the 350 must be machined to receive the stock pilot bearing, but Supercars provide a pilot bearing that fits the automatic crank hole, not requiring the crank to be machined. There is one thing that I must do, and that is to shorten the input shaft so that is doesn't hit the end of the crank hole. I understand that it will have to be ground off about 1/8 inch, so thanks everyone, I found the answer.

Good find! Thanks for letting us know. Good luck! . . . and if you have any other questions feel free to come back.

I am sure there were some "mechanics" out that would have been able to put it in!!!!!