Brian, the following is based on my admitted limited experience and does not necessarily apply to today's engines, only what's now commonly referred to as the classics. Many crankshafts were drilled for a pilot shaft/bearing/bushing regardless of automatic or manual transmission.
I do know some manufactures (Mopar big blocks) have a hub hole in the crank for the torque converter that can be used with a special bearing and shortened pilot shaft without any additional drilling. Again with Mopar's, if they came with a manual transmission then drilled for a pilotshaft. If originally a automatic car, might be drilled for a pilotshaft, or not. However it's possible to drill the crank while it's in the car if required to accommodate a standard transmission input shaft. Not hard to do with a good appropriately sized bit and drill. Fancy folks use a jig to insure perfection.
Good Luck,
RonR
Last edited by moparguy; 12/24/2020 12:03 PM.
