The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 37 engine to t5 adapter

Starting to zero in on putting this thing together and I'm look for an adapter plate for t5 to 4 speed bellhousing , I see one for a 3 speed is there a difference?

Sometimes the hole size in the bell housing for the front bearing retainer is different. Sometimes the retainer 4 bolt pattern is the same and and the retainer can be turned on a lathe to fit. If the retainer is smaller in diameter or the bolt pattern is different then some tweaking and/or parts search is necessary. We have used adapter rings with the od the size of the bell housing hole and the id the size to fit the retainer. If retainer is cast iron we have the od of the adapter slightly too large, dot with brass to hold adapter to the retainer, and then chuck throw out bearing snout into the lathe and bring adapter ring down to size while also making it completely centered. There is no (sideways) strain on the front bearing retainer once the trans to bell housing bolts are tight so anything to hold it in place while installing will fly. You need to have all parts on hand and MEASURE everything. The T5 usually has to have the pilot shortened and sometimes the splines shortened also at least for the 235 but don't know on a 216. There has been a lot discussed on a T5 behind a 235 so a search should give good info.

I think the 37 has a four bolt fly wheel and the clutch is different from the 38 and up. At least that is the way the car is.