The bolt pattern is not the same on my original bell housing and the SM420 trans that is why i would need a adapter. If I use my original bell housing without the adapter I would need to enlarge the center hole and drill new mounting holes in the bell housing were there is not as much thickness to support the trans. Would prefer to use the adapter but the 1/4" in the pilot bearing and clutch issues are my worries. What does the pilot bearing do besides alining the output shaft of the transmission to the engine?

Marv.