Different size torque converter knob 170 vs 225?!? Are you kidding me?

I struggled and failed to get this engine in. It would not mate up properly with the transmission. 1968 Barracuda originally had a 225 turning a 904 Torqueflite. The 225 is out and am putting in a 170 while the 225 is overhauled. Used the same motor mounts from the 225, same flex plate. The 170 was originally in a '68 Valiant but with a 3 speed manual transmission.

Got the engine dowel lined up on the right side, good contact, but something was in the way and I couldn't get the left side closer than about 1/2". I tried using the engine-to-bellhousing bolts to pull the two pieces together but if I did that, it felt too tight and then I couldn't spin the engine. "What could be in there?" I thought.

After many hours, I finally gave up and pulled the engine back out. The knob on the torque converter looked like it had seen battle. Then I checked the diameter of the hole on the end of the crankshaft... the 170 has a smaller hole than the 225 by what looks to be about 1/8"!

Now my back is toast, and it's drink-o'clock. Is this a problem other's have run into? Do I have to find a different torque converter for the 170?