Bellhousing bushwa

[120mm]

I'm sure if I had direct access to a few stock bellhousings, I would be able to look at them and have that "aha!" moment...

But in the absence of that, is there someone who can speak about the differences in "truck" and "car" bellhousings for the FE, and how one adapts the truck bellhousing to a 4 speed Toploader in a Cobra replica?

A C5TA 7505 B used in a truck goes for about $100 and a C9A 6394 A from a car goes for about $500. I'm not sure if other years' production codes apply; ie, whether there is a C6TA or a C8A version of the same.

Included in that question is the query, is it worth it to just chuck the stock bellhousing and go with a Quicktime for $700?

[Jac Mac]

Dont know if this will help, truck trans may have totally different bolt pattern to Top Loader which can be wide or narrow bolt pattern... Bellhousings

[blykins]

The truck bell is deeper because it's meant for a New Process transmission, instead of the Toploader.

If you want to go that route, you should be able to find a car bell for a couple hundred bucks. Just remember that the only thing between you and the flywheel is 3/16" of fiberglass and a piece of brittle cast iron though.

[120mm]

Originally Posted by Jac Mac

Dont know if this will help, truck trans may have totally different bolt pattern to Top Loader which can be wide or narrow bolt pattern... Bellhousings

That's a nice reference. For transmission types as well as bellhousings.

Originally Posted by blykins

The truck bell is deeper because it's meant for a New Process transmission, instead of the Toploader.

If you want to go that route, you should be able to find a car bell for a couple hundred bucks. Just remember that the only thing between you and the flywheel is 3/16" of fiberglass and a piece of brittle cast iron though.

I haven't found the $200 car bells. But for a couple hundred bucks extra, I'd be delighted to invest in hardened steel. Question = answered.

[TexasSnake]

Blykins is correct in caution to using a cast housing. I have actually witnessed the damage that can be inflicted by a clutch or flywheel failure. Purchase the QuickTime housing and never worry about what may happen to your legs if your clutch or flywheel decides to come apart at high RPM.

[DanEC]

The Quicktime bell housing is a nice piece too. It's less bulky and less weight than an old style Lakewood bell housing.

[lovehamr]

After ventilating a stock BH with a Boss302 I went to a Lakewood and later on to a QuickTime on my FE. I'll never run a stock BH on a performance car again.

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by 120mm

Included in that question is the query, is it worth it to just chuck the stock bellhousing and go with a Quicktime for $700?

I have a used Lakewood for an FE, great condition, already cut at the bottom for a Cobra, if you are interested. The only reason I switched to a Quicktime was that the Lakewood won't clear the frame rails on a CSX so you have to pull the engine to do any clutch work. The Quicktime is a bit smaller and will clear the frame with the engine in the car (although not easily ).

Anyway, PM me if you are interested. I've been meaning to sell it so I can clear up some garage shelf space.