I have a stock '73 to '84 series 292 that needs the three crankshaft/flywheel locating dowels. For whatever reason 7/16"
dowels are too small and 1/2" are to big. Any ideas how to handle this? Is there a special dowel? Just turn down a length of steel rod in a trial and fit process? The crank is installed, so I really don't want to remove it to redrill the holes to 1/2"

I got my 'dowels' from my local GM parts (Chev dealer) but they're actually 'roll pins'. Not sure of the size, but they drove in with some persuasion. And I used ARP 1/2" flywheel bolts (for a Pontiac IIRC)

Thanks, Joe. NAPA did suggest roll pins, but honestly, I didn't think they were used in that fashion. Good to know. It won't be a problem now. And, yes, have ARP bolts. Thanks again!

Carry the flywheel/flexplate with you to an industrial fasterner company and see if a 1/2" fits the hole in the flywheel. It should be a close fit on it but will seem much tighter in the crank flange. So a 1/2" might not be too tight, they usually have several thousandths of interference fit which can sometimes make it seem like they are too big if your trying to push them in by hand.

Okay. Will do.

Don't use roll pins for dowel pins they are made to flex to push in therefore they do not have the side load strength.

search my posts I have posted the only way to do this and not ever fail.

Thanks for reminding about the lock straps Harry. I should have remembered this because the first early 216 I tore apart had those same straps on the flywheel.