Technical Clutch Fitment Question-T5 swap

I'm fitting an 89 S-10 T-5 to a SBC. I'm using a 621 bell housing and 11" astro van clutch. So far, all I've had to do is cut some length off the bearing retainer to make everything fit. Input shaft doesn't bottom out, trans bolts up nice and true etc. My question is this; my clutch disc is riding all the way at the bottom of the input shaft spline with no more room for travel toward the rear of the vehicle. Does the clutch disc need to move fore and aft much during operation? I've done a deep dive into all the T-5 threads and know some folks have had to cut their splines further back or machine some meat off the spline hub of the clutch disc itself. I'm just not sure if any of that is necessary with my current setup. Thoughts?

IMG_2599 by Cali4niaCruiser posted May 19, 2024 at 8:25 PM

IMG_2601 by Cali4niaCruiser posted May 19, 2024 at 8:25 PM

IMG_2620 by Cali4niaCruiser posted May 19, 2024 at 8:32 PM

 

I'm curious what @krylon32, @gimpyshotrods and any other experienced T5 guys might have to say.

 

The friction disc doesn't need much. Looking at your set up, if the disc was bottomed completely out on the input shaft, I'd make up a 1/8th spacer to go between the bell and the trans. If the pilot hole in the bell doesn't have a giant taper, then it should not affect trans alignment.
Another option would be a mid plate between teengine block and bell.
But if you have .010" or more that the disc can slide to the rear, then run it!

 

Just add a cheap spacer, alreay made: https://davisspeedequipment.com/product/10017-t5-spacer-plate/

$25 to save the effort.

Of course you can make one on your mill, or the HAAS at work.

 

That's killer, thanks dude! well worth the $25 for the time it would take me to make one

 

You're welcome!