5 bolt bell housing questions

[ashford]

well i located a manual bellhousing for a 5 bolt 289 and a 3 spd with a synchroed 1st gear.
my problem is that about 7 years ago i bought the engine and found an auto for it and have been using it that way, when i bought the engine it had a flywheel and plate for a manual on it, took them off and put them somewhere. now i cant find the dam things.

so first question is, is the 5 bolt flywheel smaller or have the 156 tooth ring gear, or is it the same as the 28 oz 302 flywheel.

second, im assuming i cant use the auto trans to engine plate. im thinking just bolt it straight up and buy a starter spacer.

third the bearing retainer wont fit into the belhousing but the tranny has the bolt patern for both 3 speeds, is it safe to turn down the retainer to fit(about .050 or .060, i have a lathe) or am i screwed there.

and finally where can i get a clutch fork,the pivot is toward the opening on the belhousing not on the other side.

 

[D.Hearne]

Unless your block is also a 5 bolt block, that bell won't bolt up to it. The 5 and 6 bolt use the same flywheel. Get the correct spacer plate, the function of it is to position the starter correctly. I would also get the correct bell for your transmission, unless your block is also a 5 bolt block, only then would I contemplate turning down the front retainer, might be better to open up the hole in the bell. Many of the parts you need can be bought new from the many classic Stang suppliers. Mustangs Unlimited is one.

 

[ashford]

its my first v8 had it for 7 years always with an auto its a 5 bolt. sorta sentimental over it