The FE has been around since 1958 begining with the 332. I know that the transmissions changed many times over the years, but has the bellhousings remained basically the same? I mean the bolt patterns, starter types and locations? Or has there been chamges here also. I have an early (1959) 352 and want to change it to standard. Will any FE bellhousing fit? Do I need to change starters? Any and help will be appreciated. Thanks guys.
Yes any FE bellhousing will bolt to any year engine. The 58 to 64 models used a small pattern trans and the starter drive pinion engaged from the rear. In 65 the bells had the wider trans pattern and the starter and flywheel were updated. Your best bet would to look for parts from a 65 to late 70s pickup with a 360 or 390. The flywheels for 428s were balanced different and although it will bolt to other FEs it wont work properly. Also the newer trans have longer impuit shafts. OldWolf
So, if I used a 65 or up bellhousing, the flywheel and the starter, it would work on my 58 engine? Does it have to be from a truck? Or will any FE engine 65 and up work?
It gets a little tricky. It also depends on what trans you want to run. If you use a toploader(car ******) small blocks(289,302,351) have a longer imput shaft. This can be solved by using a pickup/truck bellhousing. Normal way to tell if it is for a truck, it will have a T in the casting number. C5TE, is a common one. For a 390/428/427 ******, then the car bellhousing will have to be used, because it is an 1 1/2 inch shallower. If you plan to use a truck ****** then a truck bellhousing must be used. great info here. http://www.network54.com/Index/10214
'65 and up full size car bells have another little twist, the Z-bar mounts to the bell instead of a bracket on the block. If you were going to use it, you need the whole setup. The truck and other cars have a Z-bar that mounts to a bracket that bolts to an ear with two vertical bolt holes on the block. Your '59 block should accommodate the later bracket, but you might want to check, it may be a unique piece for your car. The truck and Mustang bracket is different for instance. Just a thought.
I am using a 66 truck bell housing and plan on using a 56 trans. The 66 truck bellhousing had undrilled bosses for the smaller bolt pattern. I made a pattern off of the trans then drilled and tapped it for the small pattern. The 56 trans now bolts right up. I don't know if all the truck bellhousings have these bosses but the 2 that I have do. The center locating hole is the same. The truck bell is only a 1/2" deeper than the car (I just remeasured to make sure... I got worried). I don't have the part number anymore but Ford made a longer pilot bearing for the crank that makes up this difference so you can use the car trans in the truck bell. I tried a Ford dealer but it was no longer listed. I did find it online but I lost that Email too. They are out there. I just can't tell you exactly where. I found the early direct fit BHs to be pricey because of the 406 clones. The cheaper redrilled truck bell will work just fine for my ride. I'm putting it in a 56 car. The 6 cyl car clutch bell crank bracket bolts to the back of the bellhousing. The 66 390 block has the same bolt holes in what appears to be the same location. It looks too simple but I have my fingers crossed. What you need will probably depend on the clutch pedal system for your application. They are reproducing some of the clutch linkage parts for the 406 clones. I'm still learning but this is what I've learned so far. I believe it to be correct.
Hey thanks guys. All this really helps. My auto is a 1959 Ranchero w/352 which we put in a C-6 ****** back when. I will want to convert it to standard someday so just getting the data/inforamtion together. Thansk and if any more information pops up, please p*** it on.
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