Scattershield Alignment Procedure?

[decooney]

Maybe a few of you have done this more than a few times with aftermarket bellhousings.... ?

Question:
What recommendations (if any) do any of you members have for ensuring proper bellhousing/scattershield alignment for my LakeWood bellhousing?

I am specifically referring to using a test indicator (or some other method?) and modifying block pins or blueprinting bellhousing pin holes so that the input shaft is perfectly centered into the pilot bushing/crankshaft - within .005 or better.

Problem:
I just removed my trans/bellhousing because my Toploader will not go into 1st gear or reverse (when the motor gets warm for a while). There is a black ring around my input shaft where it goes intot the pilot bushing indicating heat, I believe. Process of elimination after leveral linkage adjustments and hydraulic alterations have led me to removing it and trying this now. On another related thread we determined this issue has been a problem for a few other members with FE/Toploaders using new Lakewood bellhousings, and even a few small block cars.

Before I put this thing back together I want to be sure I've checked everything. My current plan is to open the bellhousing pin holes a bit once I find center, and then ping the pin holes around the pins again vs. using offset alignment pins. Mr. Fixit had a few good recommendations, and I just want to see if there are any more before the trans, tunnel, and seats and everthing goes back together... any other ideas or considerations would be appreciated. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can find the fix for this irritating problem. Thanks.