[Rory428]

Saying that a bellhousing doesn`t need to be "dialed in" is a lot like saying that you can just install a crankshaft without checking the bearing clearance. You MAY get lucky, but why take the chance. Consider that many FE engines are old enough to possibly been rebuilt several times, including align boring or honing, which would move the crankshaft closer towards the top of the block. Of course this would affect the bellhousing positioning. I have just recieved my 4th FE Lakewood scattershield last week, all were dialed in, and all required the use of the offset dowel pins to get everything alighned properly. I also have a McLeod scattershield on my 302 Mustang, which also needed dialing in, just as the Lakewood before it required. Just set it up properly, and KNOW that everything is where it is supposed to be!