Toploader in Competition frame

[tschirle]

Has anyone installed a toploader in the Competition frame? I have a 428FE, a stock cast iron bellhousing and a wide ratio, small input shaft toploader. The toploader has a Hurst Competition Plus shifter. I tried to install the engine, transmission and shift linkage all together, but the shift linkage would not clear the frame. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

[R U YELLA]

None here. I have a 390 with a cast bellhousing as well. We had no difficulty installing the engine and trans together. There was plenty of room all around. I did have problems when I was using the McLeod Bellhousing. So many problems that I decided to use it as a coffee table for the time being.

It might be helpful to say what you are trying to install it in and also some pics.

Thanks
Ed

[Ford of France]

I would try and install the engine and tranny together and remove the linkage. Assemble that when everything else is in and buttoned up.

Trying to do it the way you described is a real "hat trick". Moreover, with that much mass, you run the risk of damaging the shifting rods during installation if they are banging against the frame.

[Tim Brewer]

Depends on the type of car. On my Lonestar, I always install and remove my toploader seperately while it's up on jack stands. I also had to notch out a 3x5 area in my frame so the linkages would all clear. Just a note though, your transmission really might not be stout enough for your engine with any kind of mods. I believe a 390 was the largest engine put in front of a small input Toploader. But if you keep your 428 stock, and not get too crazy,it will probably be OK. Then again if it blows, send it to David Key and he will build you what you need with a big input/output shaft.
My .02, Tim

[tschirle]

Sorry guys. I have a Lone Star Classics Competiton frame kit. Tim, thanks for the reply. It seems that their frame is not wide enough at the transmission area to clear the toploader shifter and linkage. I am not comfortable with cutting the frame to allow clearance for the toploader. I looks like a different transmission is my best solution.

Thanks all.