351 Bellhousing Clearance?

BullittStangV8 · Jan 17, 2006

The guys from my local speed shop stated today that a 351 will not clear the engine firewall/trans tunnel when bolted to a 4spd toploader in a 64-65 coupe..I haven't heard anything like this before?
Will the toploader and bellhousing that used to be behind my 289 mount and fit behind the 351 with no modifications?
thanks
Mike

65up2d8 · Jan 17, 2006

Absolutely. It uses the same bellhousing, and the only difference between a 351W and the 289 (for purposes of this question) is that a 351W has a taller deck height and is, therefore, taller. The mounting position of the bellhousing to the engine will not change.

rbohm · Jan 17, 2006

that is correct, the 351w uses the same bellhousing as the 289/302 engine. tell the guys at your local speed shop they are not up to speed on fords. have them come here ofr an education.

BullittStangV8 · Jan 17, 2006

Thanks guys. I was pretty sure that they would mount up just fine. What about the flywheel and clutch? I assume I can use the same ones from the 289-toploader on the 351-toploader combo?

p.s Maybe he (the speed shop mechanic) was thinking of a BB toploader set up/ bellhousing not working with a small block? I dunno..

65ShelbyClone · Jan 17, 2006

BullittStangV8 said:
Thanks guys. I was pretty sure that they would mount up just fine. What about the flywheel and clutch? I assume I can use the same ones from the 289-toploader on the 351-toploader combo?

The flywheels are interchangable as long as both engines have the same counterbalance weight(probably 28oz in this case). The bellhousings are compatible as long as you have the right one for the number of ring gear teeth(for starter alignment). Clutch is the same, but a 10" will probably have more trouble with the 351's torque than a 10.5(and you can go up 11" with a 164 tooth flywheel and matching bell).

dennis112 · Jan 18, 2006

It's a non-issue.

I've used both a stock Ford 11" clutch cast bellhousing and now a huge Lakewood Scattershield in my 65' with a 351w/4speed toploader with zero clearance issues with the fire wall and body. Plenty of room since the block mounting location is exactly the same as a late 65'/66' 289. I even use the stock Z-bar, stock engine mounts, and stock tranny mounts.

Edbert · Jan 18, 2006

rbohm said:
that is correct, the 351w uses the same bellhousing as the 289/302 engine. tell the guys at your local speed shop they are not up to speed on fords. have them come here ofr an education.

My experience with many speed shops and parts vendors is that they only speak Chebbie. Find one that knows something about FoMoCo and take your business elsewhere...my $0.03 adjusted for inflation.

danny clemens · Jan 18, 2006

Ask 'em what they been smokin' in their pipe. Tell 'em we smoke Chevies.

LMan · Jan 18, 2006

BullittStangV8 said:
The guys from my local speed shop

BullittStangV8 · Jan 18, 2006

So some people are saying it will work with no issues, but then ring gear teeth are mentioned..Can someone explain to me the "ring gear" teeth issue in simple, clear, beginner terms? (I've been more into the modular engine world then trans in classic cars..)
thanks
p.s I looked at the hold flywheel and clutch off the 289, and its a 157 tooth, and a 10 inch clutch disk. Does this help w. determining fitment?

Edbert · Jan 18, 2006

The rign gear they mean is PROBABLY the part bonded to your flywheel/flexplate. That only needs to be changed with a different transmission, like when I swapped my C4 for an AOD. Since you have a toploader and want to keep it yours will work as long as the internal balance of the engine stays at 28oz. As you probably know later FoMoCo engines used a 50oz imbalance...these are NOT interchangeable. So when I put the AOD in I had to have the new flexplate sized for the AOD but the early 28oz balance.

Clear as mud?

BullittStangV8 · Jan 18, 2006

So basically if I keep the current toploader with the current bellhousing that used to be mated with the 289, and maintain the 28 oz imbalance with the 351, the flywheel, clutch, flexplate, and bellhousing will all work?

65ShelbyClone · Jan 18, 2006

BullittStangV8 said:
So basically if I keep the current toploader with the current bellhousing that used to be mated with the 289, and maintain the 28 oz imbalance with the 351, the flywheel, clutch, flexplate, and bellhousing will all work?

Yes. No hammers, no cutting; it all fits. Also Make sure your bellhousing bolts to the block with six bolts. I think 260s and early 289s had five bolts. If you have six, you're alright.

BullittStangV8 · Jan 18, 2006

If i can get a picture of the bellhousing, would you be able to tell? The block isnt anywhere near me..

65ShelbyClone · Jan 18, 2006

Just look at the side of the bell that bolts to the block. If you're still unsure, feel free to post the pic.

BullittStangV8 · Jan 18, 2006

dennis112 · Jan 18, 2006

That is a 6 bolt bellhousing and it will bolt up to a 351w with no issues--even in you 65' car.

BullittStangV8 · Jan 18, 2006

nice. thanks for the reassurance! When it comes to clutches now, how big can I go?

65ShelbyClone · Jan 18, 2006

A 157 tooth flywheel is limited to a 10.5" disc. Its easier to find a 10.5 than 10 anyway, they are interchangable, and there is usually no price difference.

351 Bellhousing Clearance?

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