I have been running a TKO 500 for the last 4+ years. used the ordinary looking pilot bearing that cam with the keisler kit.

I am now putting the trans on the back of a new SBC engine and installed a Moroso pilot bearing. I was reading the Lakewood bellhousing notes, as well as 2 magazine articles, that mention that the TKO 500 and 600 require a special pilot bearing to mate to a chevy because of a shorter input shaft. Lakewood sells a special bellhousing kit #15030 that includes a special pilot bearing for the TKO. I was surprised at this. I am not sure if this is true and I have not had problems with my old set up, but wanted to double check.

mike

They recommend the roller bearing for the TKO, but with my block plate and the BH I was using, I did not like the depth that the input shaft had in the pilot bearing. Was not deep enough in my opinion, so I went with the extended pilot for GM. This one>>> http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Chevy-Extra-Long-Pilot-Bushing,6974.html
Been in there 3 years so far, no issues.

that Lakewood special bellhousing kit #15030 that includes a special pilot bearing for the TKO is the one i'm running, it's made to also run ford toploader 4-speeds, the register hole for the bearing retainer is a larger ID that the normal gm-trans measurements, the special roller pilot bearing is for the shorter length input shaft, it locates in the large inner ID area on rear of crank flange.
the newer tremec kits have machined the the front bearing retainers to a smaller OD to fit normal chevy/gm-bellhousings and the input shafts have been redesigned about 1''-longer so a normal pilot bearing can be used, that is the difference.... :)

thanks Vince, that is what I am thinking. I think those articles got their wires crossed and were refering to the older Ford TKOs being swapped to chevys. The GM-specific TKO 500 and 600's seem to be able to use the stock chevy pilot bearing.

mike