Aligning my SBF Quicktime Bellhousing for use with a Tremec TKX Transmission

Bellhousing alignment isn't really that critical for most stock applications, but can be important when dealing with aftermarket transmissions. I'm installing a Tremec TKX transmission behind my SBF, and Tremec requires the bellhousing opening to be aligned within 0.005" of the crankshaft centerline. This can be accomplished by using a dial indicator to determine the alignment, and then correcting an out-of-tolerance condition with offset dowel pins.

[@willwagner7222]

nice explanation. well done

[@billsgarage]

Thank you very much!!

[@jplperformance9073]

I bought the same bell and I aligned my cast aluminum one for a warranty from Hanlon Motorsports. He rebuilt my TKO600 and they came out wth the TKX 90 days later. Dam good video. Im going to have to do the same soon when motor is done

[@billsgarage]

Awesome, thanks for watching and good luck!

[@teds5408]

Does that Bell housing fit in the Mustang II, thought 74-78's would only accommodate the original Ford housing.

[@billsgarage]

Great question! Ford used a smaller bellhousing in those cars with a 148-tooth flywheel instead of the standard 157-tooth flywheel, but the larger bellhousings do fit. It's close, but they fit. I have a bit of an advantage in that the 5-bolt bellhousing that I am using fits a little better than the standard 6-bolt, but any of them fit. It can try your patience a bit to get the top bolts in, but the biggest clearance problem isn't at the top where you might think, it's on the right side. The smaller Mustang II bellhousings clocked the starter a bit differently to give more space on that side of the car for the exhaust to fit through, so if you run a larger, standard bellhousing and plan to install headers, your going to have to do a bit of grinder work on the bellhousing flange near the starter so that the headers will fit. Maybe I'll do a video on the header install when I put the engine in the car and show what needs to be done. Thanks for watching!

[@teds5408]

@@billsgarage Thanks for the tip, my son and I started restoring a 78 Mustang II coupe last year. We used the mediocre Hedman headers as there the only ones available, they were a tight fit around the bell housing. We also went through the 4 speed RAD tranny, it needed new seals and a bushing but otherwise in good shape. We machined the flywheel, and replaced the OEM clutch/pressure plate, no one stocked them so we had it rebuilt at KY Clutch. Couldn't find a brake booster either, so that had to go to a shop in GA for a rebuild. We currently have a leak in the 3.5 Gal Aux gas tank we have to sort out, without any parts support I am sure that will be an adventure too. Thanks for your channel it makes working on these out of favor Mustang's possible.

[@calvincarter591]

Where do you buy purches your tramic transmission at

[@billsgarage]

Modern Driveline. www.moderndriveline.com

[@TheRaulr151]

Is this process necessary for my application? Using a 90’s 302 block, new production Ford Bell, 90’s model T5 out of a Mustang. Sounds like if I’m using all production parts I should be ok. However, since they’ve all been pieced together not sure.

[@billsgarage]

My opinion is that checking the alignment couldn't hurt, but isn't really necessary when using stock components. The factory parts are designed with tolerences that allow for any 302 block to have any T-5 bellhousing and T-5 transmission bolted to it. They didn't take the time to check the alignment or install offset bushings at the factory, they just grabbed the next stuff from the pile and bolted it together - and they did this in massive numbers from 1979-1995 without any problems. Thanks for the question!

[@TheRaulr151]

@@billsgarage thank you Sir! Love your channel. Just finished a 347 stroker build and watched your video about checking oil and filter after first run. I was so nervous but started on the second crank. Checked oil and very clean, no metal. Thanks for all your content.