flywheel and bellhousing info needed

[olaf herrick]

Hello, I have a 427SO motor in the machine shop and they have requested my flywheel and presure plate for an external balance. I was told because the 427 is stroked with a 428 crank it needs an external balance. My car presently has a 390 with a Tremac 5 speed. My questions are - is there any special flywheel I should use or is a Mcleod or Hayes 184 tooth one OK. Second should I exchange the stock Tremac bellhousing for a Blowproof housing and if so where can I buy one? I searched PAW and Summit both dont seem to be specific in reference to the Tremac.Lakewood generic housings were all they listed. Thanks for any help.Olaf

[Cobranut]

Olaf,

If you're using a 428 crank, you'll need a 428 flywheel and harmonic damper, which have external balance weights.
Also, have your pressure plate bolted up and checked after they balance the rest of the rotating assy, then they can correct any imbalance in it.
An aluminum flywheel will make your motor more responsive.

Definately get a blowproof bellhousing.
Lakewood makes a bellhousing for the FE with a 184 tooth flywheel. To connect the Tremec to it, use an adapter plate from McLeod.

Sorry I don't have any part #'s with me.

Good luck,

[RobMcQuarie]

Olaf,
We use McLeod on all of our engine builds and I highly recommend them. One advantage is that the McLeod 428 flywheel is now made so that you can easily convert to the std FE neutral balance if you so desire. We have used both the steel and aluminum flywheels on our customers cars and they both work well-choice depends on budget and customer preference. McLeod is in the process of making an FE scattershield that will take the 5-speed transmissions. We are a dealer for McLeod, and I haven't seen a release on them yet, but that doesn't mean they aren't close to being ready. David Kee may have spoken to Red at McLeod recently, and maybe he'll pop in here with some info. Otherwise, I'll give Red a call and check up on progress and let you know.
Rob

BTW-All FE dampers are neutral balance-so you can use any one you want-though I would recommend using a good quality, heavy duty damper.

[olaf herrick]

Thanks a bunch,Mcleod only showed one flywheel for everything from a 360-428 (I even think they included 429). I will call them today and look for the adapter to attatch the bellhousing to the Tremac.By the way will the Lakewood(or Mcleod if available) and the adapter set the trans back from its current possition? I mean is the combined new unit longer then the exsisting Tremac bellhousing? If its longer I guess I would have to shorten my already short driveshaft.Olaf

[Sonny]

olaf, never build a motor for 4500rpm plus without a steel scattershield/bellhousing!!!!!!!!!

[olaf herrick]

Hey guys ,please help me here. I called PAW and didnt get a straight answer. My Tremac is a TR 3554 5speed and Lakewood doesnt appear to make a Bellhousing to connect a FE with a Tremac. PAW said the only adapters available are for smallblock setups.My machine shop said they would dial in a new blowproof bellhousing and balance the new flywheel with the clutch but they would need them soon. Where would you guys turn for info on the correct part numbers and vendors to make this setup work? What clutch should I use? I'm going with a manuel throwout bearing.Thanks Olaf

[GUMBALL]

Olaf,

Call George Anderson at Gessford. He WILL have the answer. I also believe he sells the Lakewood to Tremec ADAPTORS.

http://www.gessford.com/cobraparts/fflywhee.htm


Good luck,

John