Bellhousing applicable for 302??

[Dieter123]

I was wondering if the Ford Performance Bellhousing PN "M-6392-R58" would fit my Roadster build. I am installing a 302 with approx 330HP and a TKO 600. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[edwardb]

Documentation on the Ford Performance website says that's the exact combination it's intended for. SBF + TKO.

[Dieter123]

Thanks edwardb. Summit was not sure and the description made reference to a "10 spline" which threw me off. This Bellhousing (aluminum) is approx $400 cheaper than other options. With that, I am always cautious on "what am I actually getting???"

[edwardb]

Thanks edwardb. Summit was not sure and the description made reference to a "10 spline" which threw me off. This Bellhousing (aluminum) is approx $400 cheaper than other options. With that, I am always cautious on "what am I actually getting???"

Bell housing doesn't have anything to do with spline count. That's a function of the transmission you're using, which then needs to match the clutch and driveshaft you're using. For the TKO, input shaft spline count is 26, output shaft spline count is 31.

Assume that price difference you're citing is compared to a steel bell housing. Like the QuickTime RM-6060 that I've used for the combination you're describing. That's the non-SFI version. But unless you need the certification, fits better and still provides the added protection of steel versus aluminum. Kind of an apples to oranges comparison though. Sure the steel one is a lot more expensive. You have to decide whether it's worth it. Debated a lot on here and won't repeat.

[mike223]

Sure the steel one is a lot more expensive. You have to decide whether it's worth it. Debated a lot on here and won't repeat.



I'll repeat it briefly - the flywheel and clutch are way too much mass rotating way too fast and too close to my knees for me to use an aluminum bellhousing or a cast iron flywheel in one of these cars.

On further thought - extend that to SFI clutch + pressure plate too.


But we're talking about your (Dieter123) knees currently...

[Ducky2009]

Here's what an aluminum bell housing can get you. Hopefully you will still have both legs.

131850

[FFinisher]

I'll repeat it briefly - the flywheel and clutch are way too much mass rotating way too fast and too close to my knees for me to use an aluminum bellhousing or a cast iron flywheel in one of these cars.

On further thought - extend that to SFI clutch + pressure plate too.


But we're talking about your (Dieter123) knees currently...


Wonder how many MILLIONS of cars driving around have aluminum bell housings?

You stand a better chance of getting struck by lighting on Tuesday at 10:00 than being harmed by an aluminum housing.

[mike223]

Wonder how many MILLIONS of cars driving around have aluminum bell housings?

You stand a better chance of getting struck by lighting on Tuesday at 10:00 than being harmed by an aluminum housing.


Few other cars are built for such performance that you have to practice shifts + launches to avoid bumping the rev limiter.

I will freely admit that the first replica I got comfortable enough with to manhandle - I would have blown the engine on the first enthusiastic launch / shift to second gear if had it not been rev limited - they make things happen quick, often faster than you can think.


Which in reality makes them a lot more likely to end up in the ditch / wrapped around a tree or pole than to have a flywheel or clutch / pressure plate come apart - all very true.

But if something ever does come apart in there (at 6k + rpm) the aluminum bellhousing is certainly not what's going to hurt you (it's the stuff coming through the aluminum bellhousing that's going to hurt you).



If you're going to drive one hard (and occasionally bump the rev limiter - hopefully you have one), you should at least be cognizant of all the potential hazards.



P.S - Twelve years and dozens of autocrosses later - and I still have to practice hard launches + performance shifts and I still sometimes bump the rev limiter by accident - because these cars make things happen quick.