This is a car that worked great when put in storage in 1991. It has a fresh 440. The original pressure plate was rebuilt. The original aluminum flywheel was resurfaced. The disc is a new. The new crankshaft probably came from an automatic car so I used the pilot bearing for conversion to 4 speed.
What order did this happen? Was it put away working after the engine and clutch work?
As for the offset dowels. I've checked a few and since I like to get chase things to the middle of their acceptable range. The fact is I've never seen a difference from out of spec to middle of the spec as far as shift quality, clutch engagement etc.
GSS's problem is not something offset dowels will fix.
Here is a pressure plate with air gap but it can not be put into gear. There is a major drag from the engine to the input shaft or clutch disc.
I'd like to 1st confirm the input shaft is not bottomed out in the automatic crankshaft.
How about loosening the transmission to bellhousing bolts. Moving the transmission back a 1/4" and check again.
If this idea worries you, sandwich something in there and snug the bolts up.
