I am installing a Tremec 600 on a 1968 Camaro. First time with a transmission install. Have followed tremec installation procedures regarding dialing in bell housing, etc. I have purchased a self aligning throw out bearing as recommended. The bearing has an oval shape. Does the pointed part of the bearing face the clutch fork (drivers side) or the passenger side? Is it recommeded to lubricate the bearing grove?

I am just about to go thru this same thing. Read This thread (http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=74099&page=7&highlight=01377) before you install the t.o. brg., as it might save you a headache. I just purchased this (CTF-N1716) bearing (http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=400420) to be safe and sure. Good Luck, and let us know how it all goes.

oh boy.... I resemble that thread... Tried (and eventually succeeded) to cobble together a tko on the cheap, musta run into
EVERY problem a person could possibly have.

I am trying hard to forget those few weeks... not hard to do when I'm running the tko thru the grears!

Sorry but these don't answer my question. The bearing I purchased is correct from centerforce. PN: N1716

The bearing is a O.E.M. self aligning design. It has a cam lobe on one side. Do I have to worry about which side I orient the cam lobe? Toward the driver side (inside the clutch fork fingers) or facing the passenger side when installing? Or as it says on the box self aligning.

I've never heard of a self aligning throwout bearing, nor have I ever been aware that any aligning was required anyway.

If there's a "right way" there would be some direction on or in the box, info might be available on centerforces website as well.

Far as I know, fat side goes toward the trans EDIT fat side towards the clutch....ooops, and the metal clip on the fork does go into the groove, not outside it.

I would try thier website as Jim says. Without pics it's hard to say, but I would guess that anything (cam) sticking out to the side should not be inside of fork (should be passanger side) so not to bind.
And just for the info, the t.o. brg. Jim used and I gave ref. to, is a "self align" type. Self aligning- meaning the bearing and inner race/sleeve will 'swivel' to mate with the angle of the pressure plate fingers. Let us know what you find out.

Doesn't matter where you orient the "cam lobe" (facing the fork or away from the fork); it just touches the fork arm and stops the outer portion of the bearing from rotating.
:beers:

Either side will work, my 1716 had this but the new Bca1705 did not . But do make sure there is lube in the recessed area in the inner sleeve that slides on the trans bearing retainer

Also mak sure you have the detent spring tabs in the collar neck,, not outside the neck... this is just to take up all slack in the area...

The bearings are self-aligning. The self-aligning feature allows the bearing face to properly align to the clutch fingers.

As JohnZ stated, it does not matter which way the anti-rotation lobe is installed.

The Centerforce, McLeod, etc. bearings are all made by BCA.

Thanks for your replies. Looks like no concerns with orientation. I don't want to screw this sucker up. Lots of money involved.

I also have hooker headers that will be interfering with the clutch fork spring. What are some optional attachment points? The clutch mechanism was missing from this car so I'm guessing but the manuals I have show a long steel rod and a spring that attached to the fork. What was the original mounting point on the frame? Is there another spring that should be located under the dash or on the firewall as well?

I have a small block with hookers. Only one spring is used and it attatches to that rod that extends and attatches to the L. motor mount stand. On my car, the spring does touch one header tube but not enough for my concern.

Ran into this , I made a sturdy attachment L-bracket and fastened it to area just below steering sector,,, went at an angle. This is not the only spring I have on the fork,,,Also have a smaller one to keep fork and Z bar lever in tension all time. They do have a tendency to slip out of recessed area in fork.

I also have hookers, same problem, no way the spring and rod were going to snake thru those tubes.

I discarded the rod, and hose clamped the spring to the #5 tube. It's been that way 7 years, and went on that way when I put the tko in as well. Works fine.