Just got the engine (350) back from the shop. While we had it out we removed the old pilot bushing and replaced with the supplied pilot bearing in the clutch kit. When I got home I stuck my finger on the pilot bearing and noticed it just a very tiny bit loose (see pics). I can push it in and pull it out about 1 to 1.5 millimeters. plus it I try really hard I can actually spin the entire bearing with my finger. Engine builder chucked the old bushing so I cant measure the original. I am afraid the bearing might spin and cause damage....When I called Summit Racing they said all GM bearings/bushings are 1.09 inches and 3/4 inch deep. (I can't measure the opening or old bearing to tell what mine is). A clutch specialist I spoke with said they have seen this on various cars throughout the years. He said he has used a product called Loctite 66040 which is good for houses, shafts, bearing sleeve assemblies etc. The idea is that you coat the outer surface of the bearing and crank hole and slide in the bearing and it forms a bond to fill in the gaps that can handle the high pressure. I also just called TA performance and ordered one of their pilot bushings. He said the bushings they have are 1.095 inches. Which appears to be .005 larger than the "standard GM" per Summit. I will probably install the TA bushing which makes most sense. Anyone see any issues here or have any ideas or recommendations? Thanks
Not sure I'd trust summits tech expertise. The proper spec on pilot OD is 1.093" . You want a bushing anyway instead of a bearing