t5 conversion and "block-plate" question?

[pazcarguy]

I had a question regarding this and could not find any mention of it during multiple searches for installation on 66 289. Did the 5.0 mustangs come with this standard and if so, I would assume that people would put them on (with stock 5.0 bellhousing)for the protection they provide. I just never heard of anyone mention it and don't seem to recall any for sale either on this forum or e-bay for t5 equipped mustangs. Brian

 

[MrBobMarley]

I bought mine on ebay for like 30 bucks new. Most people forget to mention it in their t5 swap advice. I have a 65 289, t5 block plate, stock 91 gt t5/bellhousing, modern driveline c/m, c4 auto trans mount, steeda triax, and a 28oz flywheel also from ebay. Went in so smoothly, I thought I did it wrong.

 

[DJCarbine]

Yup, need the blockplate. I almost forgot about it during the swap and had a hell of a time locating one locally. I ended up buying one on ebay, and told the guy to include and of the bolts that he had for the transmission as well. Turns out the trans-bellhousing bolts and such are a bit hard/impossible to find at your local hardware store hehe

 

[D.Hearne]

Mustangs Unlimited sells the block plate. Same one fits either a Toploader 157 tooth bell or a T-5 bell. You need it to index the starter and keep the road trash and dirt out of the bell.

 

[turtle99]

I did this swap also and bought mine new from the local Ford parts counter.

Jason

 

[68stang351]

You don't need the block plate if you use the T5 bellhousing too. That's what I did.

 

[D.Hearne]

You don't need the block plate if you use the T5 bellhousing too. That's what I did.

How do you plan on keeping the dirt, water, and road kill out of the flywheel ?

 

[Ronstang]

How do you plan on keeping the dirt, water, and road kill out of the flywheel ?

For some it is simpler to not worry about parts they don't have if it doesn't keep the car from running. You do know that if it doesn't make the car go or stop it is optional?

 

[D.Hearne]

For some it is simpler to not worry about parts they don't have if it doesn't keep the car from running. You do know that if it doesn't make the car go or stop it is optional?

Yea, but flinging dead (or alive) Armadillo's up into the flywheel tends to gum up the works and reduces the horsepower of a small block by 20%. The dirt and rocks, just get flung into other cars or parts of the undercarriage, so I guess that's really not an issue. Now the open front of the bell, would act as a scoop when driving it in the rain, and that really creates drag up inside the bellhousing. I'd bet he'd loose power big time. Probably enough for him to loose a race against a local "ricer" enthusiast with a 40 horse power Fart can muffler on his Neon.

 

[68stang351]

Nevermind, I thought you were talking about the bellhousing adapter plate.
YES I DO HAVE A BLOCK PLATE!!!

It's been a very long day.