2001CamaroGuy

iTrader: (6)

I'm swapping an LS(5.3)/T56 into a Z4 and I have been back and forth on getting an SFI bellhousing. The car will probably never be raced (certainly not drag raced). $500 for a bellhousing is a lot (particularly since I have a factory unit on the trans) and I have never actually heard of a modern clutch coming apart, but I still wonder at times "what if".

How many people actually use the SFI bellhousings?


IF I go with an SFI bellhousing, I see both Quicktime and McLeod have bellhousings. Is one better (fitment) than another?

Chris

01 Vert ws6

iTrader: (18)

you can buy a gm bellhousing from tick performance for 200. if your not racing that why waste the money. unless you plan on exploding clutches

2001CamaroGuy

iTrader: (6)

The T56 I have came with a factory GM bellhousing, which is why I'm not really inclined to go dump $500 on a SFI bellhousing.


Do clutches even blow up these days? I plan to use a GM LS7 clutch/flywheel and make around 400-450whp.

BarneyMobile

iTrader: (4)

Yes, clutches do blow up these days. Theres a video floating around of a TransAm that blew a clutch apart in the middle of a burnout. It came right through the floor and into the dash just missing the drivers foot. It also broke the back of the block. Not saying its likely, just saying it can happen. I went with the Quicktime SFI bellhousing.

01 Vert ws6

iTrader: (18)

It's called death of a trans am

jmm98LS1

iTrader: (28)

I run a quicktime bell on mine. I launch at 7k rpm at the track, and I really enjoy my feet.
It probably isn't a requirement on a car that isn't going to be abused, really just an insurance policy of sorts.

Joey@Tick

iTrader: (20)

If you plan to abuse the car often, a QuickTime Bellhousing isn't a bad idea: http://www.tickperformance.com/quick...gm-lsx-to-t56/

...that said, if the car isn't going to be abused on a regular basis, a GM Replacement Bellhousing will suffice (and it's much, much easier on the wallet): http://www.tickperformance.com/treme...g-bellhousing/

BALLSS

for the OP's purposes the stock T56 bellhousing will be fine.

2001CamaroGuy

iTrader: (6)

WOW! That was kind of scary (seeing holes in the tunnel and a chunk in the dash)....

alexc

The real question is how much are your legs worth to you? I would bet you would feel like a real schmuck sitting in your wheelchair in the name of saving a couple hundred bucks.

On the other hand chances are nothing will happen. Ihave personally seen a handful of clutches come apart which was good enough for me.

2001CamaroGuy

iTrader: (6)

I have ultimately come around to feeling "it's $500.... I'd blow that on a new radio head unit and not think twice" so I might as well just get the SFI bell housing and not worry about it. That way no matter what I'm okay (if anything, piece of mind is worth $500 over the life of the car).

Which one has better run-out/alignment, the McLeod or the Quicktime?

NHRATA01

iTrader: (10)

Guy on another LS forum just had his GTO clutch let go on him while he was on the highway. So yes they do come apart. Though if it will never be raced or "highly abused" I probably wouldn't spend the money on a blowproof either.

2001CamaroGuy

iTrader: (6)

At this point it seems reasonable that I'll never have an issue. But like others have pointed out (and I have felt in my gut), is the risk worth $500 (really $400 since I just managed to sell my stock bellhousing for $100 + shipping).