Mcleod bellhousing/T56 Heads Up !
#1
Mcleod bellhousing/T56 Heads Up !
If any of you guys are thinking of going with Mcleods SFI bell for your LS/T56 project, here is a heads up. The motor plate will NOT fit flush against the block due to the protrusion of the oil pan where it meets the block below the crank. You will either have to slot the motor plate for clearance of the pan protrusion (which will negate the bells SFI rating) or grind down the oil pan flush with the block...........NOT!!!!!!!!! The grinding option was suggested by Mcleod. There is nothing in the generic/all model inclusive instructions included with the bell kit to alert youto this problem. Also, check with whomever you order your Mcleod modular bell from to make sure they give you the correct METRIC bolts and not the SAE bolts they include with the LS bell kit. Hope this saves you guys from the headaches I am going through.
#2
We've grinded more than a few here in house and its really not a big deal. One thing that is a big deal however is that the Mcleod bell will not work with a 97/98 model rear cover. Its made thicker, almost to the point where the cover extends as far rearward as the boltheads of the bolts that hold it on.
Clearancing for the oil pan is the least of the headaches I've experienced with sfi bellhousings (both mcleod and quicktime)...clearancing for headers is more of a pain.
Clearancing for the oil pan is the least of the headaches I've experienced with sfi bellhousings (both mcleod and quicktime)...clearancing for headers is more of a pain.
#6
I've gotten through the grinding, opening the bell to block holes so I could get the bolts started, enlarging the starter hole.....NOW.....the hard part...dialing in the bell to the crank.....you guys that have done it know you either have to buy a plate from Mcleod ($200) or make one yourself.....(finding out all this stuff after you buy something is really great!) .....making the plate is not the hard part but measuring for and cutting the center hole accurately enough to be able to measure down to specs is the toughy...a CNC machine would come in real handy now......any input appreciated....