If I am using an adapter plate to mate transmission to an engine of a different make, will I need to extend the input shaft to make up for the thickness of the plate? I've seen many different plates out there but most don't come with replacement shafts. How does that work?
That all depends on how long the input shaft is vs how deep the bell housing is and how far the pilot bearing sticks out. Every combo is different. For example, the IH scout input shaft and bell housing are very long, so if you bolt the transmission to the back of a GM bell housing the adapter needs to be about 2" thick. A GM transmission can't reach if you try anf bolt it to the scout bell, so you would use a thin plate between the block and a GM bell, and maybe an extended pilot bushing instead of a bearing.
Some cures for to short of a shaft is to install a pilot bushing in the flywheel or one that is custom machined to fit both into the crank and the flywheel bore.
The one time I had a issue I was just a 1/4 inch short. I just replaced the needle roller bearing in the crank with one that was wider, same I.D. and O.D. It stuck out the required amount once installed.
If the transmission has a slip yoke, and the change is small, it's always possible the slip yoke will allow enough fudge factor to re-use the shaft.
If you need a new one, your options are a local drive shaft shop (it's a specialty) or online, where you can order custom length made to order. Or there are also some places that have them in 1/2" increments off the shelf. I ordered one from Coleman Racing last year (or so) and it was fine. The supplier will tell you exactly how to measure. I waited until I had the car assembled, and I was glad I did. My pre-assembly estimate was off.
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