This one is for any/all Pinto racers who are running a 2.3/C-4 combo, and want to be fully legal for competition. Not to mention the carnage (To both metal & flesh) that a flywheel or torque converter explosion can cause! I have contacted Lakewood Industries about the availability of such a item,and they said they have had a few calls over the years, but cannot justify tooling up for just a couple of pieces. Now, I know that I am obviously not the only owner/builder of a turbo'ed Pinto out here, and I am sure that I am not the only one who is in need of this presently unavailable bellhousing either! Plus, if we get enough people together to place a bulk order, they could also solve a dilemma that seems to plague ALOT of people on this site, the lack of availability of even the stock bellhousings too! It seems to me, that this would also take care of the issue, of having to use the old (And,weak/paper-thin to boot) 2.0 bellhousings, and having to go through the extra annoyance of finding the offset dowel pins to correct the crankshaft centerline to the bellhousing. Which, incidentally, I found that if this is not done when using the 2.0 bell on a 2.3, you are guaranteed to shear the pilot support shaft right off the front of the converter! And also it will put an excessive amount of upward thrust onto the upper rear main bearing, and eventually cook it as well. So, if there is anyone else looking for this product too, let's start a registry right here, with everybody's request thrown at Lakewood at one time, we might get them to start producing them. Let's stir the pot, and see what boils!
What about the blow-proof blankets?
Quote from: Pintony on September 12, 2005, 08:51:36 AM
What about the blow-proof blankets?
Tony, you took the words right out of my mouth. I have/use a blanket on my C4. It is fully legal and ( I hope) would work just fine in a trans failure.
just my 2c
On my drag Pinto that I built, I used a 289/302 Lakewood bell housing with a 1/2" steel adapter plate between the block and bell housing. I also used a 289/302 flywheel drilled for the Pinto bolt pattern along with a 289/302 starter. Ran a top loader 4 speed behind this. Worked great. I could launch at over 8000 with no problems ever.
If I didn't already have as much tied up in the C-4, I would go the toploader route. I might have to go with the blanket after all if there is not enough interest. I have used them in the past, but would really prefer a full, thicker than stock bellhousing, plus it would take care of ALL the concerns listed in the 1st. post. Let's see if flies.
Hello,I am new to this board.I am the owner of an 87 Ford Tempo GLS.It is a front wheel drive drag car.I am running the 2.3L tubo motor from an 88 Turbo coupe.The car has run a best of 12.00 at 122.92 mph.After going through three Spec clutches I have decided to convert the car to RWD.I would like to use a Tremec TKO-500 but so far I have not found any info on how to make it work with the stock 2.3-t5 bellhousing. I have also contacted lakewood about a bell and have had no luck.You can count me in if you find somone to make a bell. :)
Looking at the adapter plates wouldn`t that allow the use of any sb v8 trans behind the 2.3 i.e. the aod? overdrive would sure be nice especially for street use