Re: [AMC-list] TKO trans Q

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

The early Mustang 5.0L input shaft works with the 6.5" deep AMC/Jeep six cylinder bell housing. The Chevy input is longer. I think the AMC V-8 manual trans input is a bit longer than the Chevy input. The great thing about using a modern trans like the TKO is you can change the input shaft to match the bell, so get what you want.

I don't know how much power the stock bell will handle. I know a few people with 350 hp or more running them with five speeds, but they aren't banging on them hard either.

The only reason I'd say for sure to go with the steel bell is if you need to pass track inspection and are running fast enough to require an SFI rated bell. Won't hurt to have a stronger one, for sure!

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Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:27:03 -0400
From: Jim Boone<fljab@xxxxxxxxxxx>

> From: Frank Swygert<farna@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> I bet the answer you think you know is YES -- keep the Ford spec stuff. I know an early 5.0L pattern/input length should bolt right up to your existing bell housing. Otherwise spend the $$ on the new bell too.
>
> If you're thinking you might want that deeper bell for whatever reason now would be the time to switch. Otherwise you'll have to buy a new input shaft and bearing retainer to switch bells later. The good thing is you can use the Ford length input now and swap it out later if you want to swap bells. But Jeep bells should still be easy enough to find for a six later.
Frank - thanks for the info -

Going with a Ford spec trans to fill the hole currently done by the T5 would be cheaper - I guess the only reason to go the Lakewood bell would be from a strength outlook.  I would think the stock bellhousing is good for up to ? not sure.  While this will be a street car so hardcore starts/shifts won't be common, having the extra strength - and safety - from a steel bellhousing is worth looking at.  Like most likely everyone here, cost is an issue, and while I don't want to "cheap out" and getting less than would be advisable in this situation, I also don't want to spend many $$$$'s more than I need.

I'm gonna talk to American Powertrain and get some figures and thoughts.

Oh, and I thought that going with the aftermarket bellhousing put it at the Cheby length which is less - something like 7.27" vs 6.(?)" - does that sound right?

--
Frank Swygert
Editor - American Motors Cars Magazine
www.amc-mag.com

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