Is it possible to modify bellhousings?

blykins · #1 (**permalink**) 11-26-2003, 07:30 PM

I bought a Lakewood blow-proof bellhousing about 6 months ago for my 425W anticipating a TKO tranny in the future. I have since changed my mind and have decided that I'm gonna use a Toploader. The patterns look almost exactly the same (this bellhousing is 15202 -- used for some factory 4-speed trannies on Mustangs)...but I'm worried about the depth. I haven't bought a TL yet, but can someone tell me how bad I've stepped in it this time? I know Lakewood makes other scattershields for TL's and T-10's...and the mounting depths are off....by like .560" or so. I'd say I would have a problem with the input shaft not touching the pilot bushing.

Oh well...if someone has any ideas, please chip in. I really hate to buy another stinkin $300 bellhousing...but it looks like I may have to. It's brand new....bolted on the engine, but has never had a tranny bolted to it. Has even been dial-indicated and found to be within tolerance. Sell or trade?

blykins · #2 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 06:30 AM

strictlypersonl · #3 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 06:58 AM

I wouldn't do it.

You will run into several problems:

You will need a custom pilot bearing that extends toward the trans.

Your clutch driven disk splines may not "overlap" with the input shaft well. If you could find a disc with a different offset, it might interfere with the pressure plate or throwout bearing.

Your transmission mount won't line up.

IMHO, t'aint worth the aggravation.

Joe Pappas · #4 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 07:42 AM

My suggestion is to sell the bellhousing you have and get the correct one. There are plenty of guys out there that will take the bellhousing you have off your hands because they are planning on using the TKO. It would have been very different had you needed to go the other way. When I build my car I had to build a spacer between the bellhousing and the TKO for use with my 460. It has been in the car for 6 years and no problems. Best of luck!

REDSC400 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 08:34 AM

I may be wrong, but I think that McLeod makes a few bellhousing to transmission adapter plates? Or is it Lakewood that makes them? I have no idea if these would work in your situation.

Were I you, I would go for the correct bell housing sans the adapter plate if possible. You may be able to sell that bell housing and recoup some cash.

blykins · #6 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 08:50 AM

OK guys...I'll trade for a toploader to 351W scattershield....or I'll sell this one for $225 plus shipping. It's brand new...been on the engine for about 6 months...but has never had a tranny bolted to it. I've had a jumper cable ground hooked to it so I could temporarily run the engine...so it may have a scratch on it.

This one is part # 15202 for use with a Tremec tranny....has the block plate and all fasteners with it.