decooney, Rooster -
Same problem here, except I have the small inut/output Toploader and a McLeoad bellhousing (and the runout was checked when the engine went in). All the same symptoms that you guys seem to be having - working ok cool, but a bear to get into first when hot; and very minor grind going into reverse, particularly if I do it slowly. I've got Hurst linkage, and I'm begining to think it may be a misalignment problem there, since everything else seems to check out. New master & slave, new pilot & throwout bearing, and runout checked and ok when the engine was installed (and I don't think that can change over time, can it???).
Keep us posted here if you find the solution. I'm going to tough it out at the Spring Fling, then see if I can resolve it when I get home. Really becoming a colossal pain in the a$$!!
