Red Pepper Racing

Was wondering if the tranny dowel pins were actually needed? There was none in the engine or the tranny when I mated the two last night on the shop floor with plenty of room. The dowels are handy when doing a clutch job in a vehicle. I did notice some rotational play due to the clearance between the bolts that pass through the tranny to the block. My main concern would be binding in the starter but I haven't installed it yet due to lack of bolts, has anyone skipped these, are the dowels really needed? If they are needed guess I will go get some, if not I would rather skip this step since it's together. Thanks guys.

Nobody has ever done this before???

I always make sure I have them. They are intended to center the crank and tranny main shaft. Not had a problem getting them yet. I know on my B swap the 90-91 cable tranny uses the same dowels for the tranny case as used to mate to the engine. Can you put it together without them, yeah, but may cause issues with clutch/bearing.

Touche' and thanks for you answer Screech, I am sure you saved me a headache down the road. Called the dealership and it's in stock and less than $5 for the both dowel pins, sounds like a wise investment 

Yes They are very important!!

A buddy of mine tried this once. 

Just like the ones in your cylinder head, they keep the two pieces from walking or becoming mis-aligned. I tried it once with my trans, the damn throw out bearing was shot within only weeks. Must have been off center a bit.

Yes always use the dowel pins. 

Thanks for chiming in guys! Since the motor is on the floor I think I can just back the bolts out enough to slide the dowel pins in, then wrench it back tight. Glad I asked, and I was worried about the starter  Throw out bearings are much worse!

Tranny dowel pins don't sell cars.  The engineers decided for you.  You need them.

I decided I didn't need the spigot bearing in the flywheel. A year later literally shredded the clutch at the drags changing into third.  leaving out the dowel pins would leave you open to the same type of fatigue weakening of the clutch metal and failure.