At some point, my shortblock dropped the alignment dowels out of the two block->tranny mounting points. The pegs I'm talking about are here, in the far right, and bottom right of the block:

(thanks driggs)

I got the part number from 2gntCAPS :) M05240849 but I really don't feel like going down to the dealer.

The block lines up just fine with the tranny using just one dowel, and I don't think the dowel provides much in the way of strength reinforcement(I broke one with pliers).

My question is:
1) How the hell do you get a dowel out of a junk shortblock?
2) Would it be a problem to run with just one dowel, not both?

use a micrometer, mic it, and any decent machine shop would get you some.

I've tried to run with only 1 dowel and without any twice........both on a chevy v-8 with th350 .......not the same I know, but in both cases the bellhousing cracked after only a few months......if your making any kinds of power I wouldn't do it. I think they are there for more than just alignment. Its just my opinion but it seemed ironic it happened in only the 2 with dowel issues.

Originally posted by thedawg
My question is:
1) How the hell do you get a dowel out of a junk shortblock?
2) Would it be a problem to run with just one dowel, not both?

I used an easy-out to remove the dowels.

I'm pretty sure they are there for alignment purposes. I dont see a problem with running just one. We did a rebuild last year on a hydrolocked motor, and upon removal one of the dowels was missing about a 1/3 chunk of it. We put it back in, since the guy didnt want to buy a new one, and as far as i know he's had zero problems with it.

EDIT: fat fingered today

Usually you can twist them out with a pair of pliars without bending them up.

They're $2/ea new.