Bell housing install help

[VKannan]

Hi all, I'm working on mating my LS3 crate engine to the bell housing for my TKX transmission and I have a few questions:

1) I am finding it VERY difficult to fit a socket or open-ended wrench into the space to tighten some of the bolts. The kit didn't come with bolts so I went to O'Reilley's and bought some 35mm long M10x1.5 hex heads. I suppose a different head type could help, but I can't clearly see how as the problem is the space around the opening. Below are pictures, any ideas?

178653178654178655178656

2) What is the proper torque spec for these bolts?

3) Why is there a circular hole in the metal bracket that helps seal the gap between the oil pan and bell housing? What goes there?

178657

4) Do I just slide the throw out bearing onto the splined shaft coming out of the transmission for now when mating it up? I don't have my FF MK4 kit yet, so I don't know what else will need to happen with this when installing the clutch setup.

Thank you!

[egchewy79]

maybe consider getting some socket head bolts? looks like you might have some better luck getting those in.
are you talking about the hole for the starter in the blockoff plate? your starter bolts up there to spin the flywheel when turning the key

[rich grsc]

Defiantly the wrong bolts. You need reduced head shoulder bolts. Starter.:rolleyes:

[Norm B]

As Rich stated, you have the wrong bolts. You need something like this.

HTH
Norm

[boat737]

Try installing "finish" washers. They are smaller O.D. washer, that may fit into the cavity under the head of the bolt.

[Mike.Bray]

Try socket head cap screws or 12 point screws although they will be harder to find and more $.

[drewr]

ARP has got to have a set of bolts for that application. You can check their website. They'll give you the bolts, washers, lube, proper torque, etc.

[JohnK]

My Quicktime bell housing came with socket head cap screws like these (https://www.specialty-fasteners.com/Allen-Bolts-Socket-Head-Cap-Screws-s/342.htm) (along with the appropriate washers and split lock washers).

[VKannan]

Final question on the subject, I’ve put in the pilot bearing, bolted up the flywheel, slid on the pressure plate and bolted up the clutch, bolted the bell housing after indexing and verifying it is within spec, and I think I am now ready to attach the transmission to the bell housing. Do I just slide the throw out bearing over the shaft like in the picture below and then attach the four bolts on the TKX to the bell housing? Are there other things I need to do before this step of mating the two?

178715

[edwardb]

Final question on the subject, I’ve put in the pilot bearing, bolted up the flywheel, slid on the pressure plate and bolted up the clutch, bolted the bell housing after indexing and verifying it is within spec, and I think I am now ready to attach the transmission to the bell housing. Do I just slide the throw out bearing over the shaft like in the picture below and then attach the four bolts on the TKX to the bell housing? Are there other things I need to do before this step of mating the two?

178715

What kind of TOB are you using? Mechanical? Looks like it in the picture. Should be some kind of clutch arm that actuates it. Normally installed along with the TOB inside the bell housing. Although I'm only familiar with Ford not GM. If a hydraulic TOB, requires the length to be adjusted per the instructions. Bottom line, typically more than just sliding the TOB onto the input shaft and bolting together.

[MB750]

Try installing "finish" washers. They are smaller O.D. washer, that may fit into the cavity under the head of the bolt.

This, or get a washer that fits in the hole and drill out the inner diameter to fit the bolt.

At ACE hardware they're called Machine Washers.

[MB750]

Final question on the subject, I’ve put in the pilot bearing, bolted up the flywheel, slid on the pressure plate and bolted up the clutch, bolted the bell housing after indexing and verifying it is within spec, and I think I am now ready to attach the transmission to the bell housing. Do I just slide the throw out bearing over the shaft like in the picture below and then attach the four bolts on the TKX to the bell housing? Are there other things I need to do before this step of mating the two?

178715

In Ford speak, the clutch fork is the mechanical link between the clutch cable and the throwout bearing. It looks like this:

178717

and needs to be installed at this time since the input shaft of the transmission goes through the large hole in the middle.

[boat737]

In Ford speak, the clutch fork is the mechanical link between the clutch cable and the throwout bearing. It looks like this:

178717

and needs to be installed at this time since the input shaft of the transmission goes through the large hole in the middle.

And be very cognizant of the position of the little spring retainers on the clutch fork, and the shoulder on the throw out bearing. There is definitely a right way, and a wrong way.

Edit: Added pictures.

[VKannan]

Super helpful, thank you! I don’t have my FF Roadster kit in yet so I’m just trying to do what I can with the crate engine and transmission in advance. I intend on using a hydraulic clutch, so seems best that I just loosely put these two together for space savings in my garage but I can expect to have to separate then again when it comes time for the hydraulic clutch install.

[VKannan]

This worked perfectly! Picked up some automotive socket caps from Ace hardware that fit perfectly. Thanks everyone!


Try socket head cap screws or 12 point screws although they will be harder to find and more $.

[MB750]

This worked perfectly! Picked up some automotive socket caps from Ace hardware that fit perfectly. Thanks everyone!

For future reference, try ACE way before an auto parts store. More selection, and probably cheaper. By the way, ACE is not interchangeable with Home Despot and Lowes. Those two are terrible for fasteners on autos.