T5 on Flathead, mount question.

I'm adapting a T5 to a '42 Merc 239 to install in my '29 RPU. The engine will utilize the stock water pump mounts at the front of the engine, and the T5 will mount on the tailshaft housing in the stock location. My concern is that the mounting points will be too far apart and stress the engine block and cast aluminum adapter. I know that small block Chevys, when front mounted, can over stress the bellhousing when used with a trans tailshaft mount. I know the flathead/T5 is a proven combo, but should I be concerned about the mounting? Ideas, suggestions?

Bob

 

good question, back to the top

 

I had the same concern when I was building mine. My rpu has only been on the road 6-8 months mounted this way, but every other one I have seen that has been on the road a long time has been mounted this way as well. Never heard of a problem. Don't worry about it.

Neal

 

I been selling the T-5 conversion kit for the last 15 years and have not as yet had a customer call back with breakage issues. I always recommend using the tailshaft with the ribs versus the I think early style which is smooth.

 

the original mounts on the S10 for the T5 had rods going from the tailshaft mount to the side bellhousing for support. You could add something like this if you are concerned . however it seems like this has not been an issue with this combination

 

Actually, I was more concerned about the stress on the cast aluminum adapter rather than the tailshaft housing. Seems that it would be subject to the most stress since it's about midway between the mounts. Looks like a non issue based on responses thus far.

Bob

 

Hadn't thought about it -- I haven't gotten my adapter yet for my project, but I'll be doing the same thing.

Really what's the motor weigh --- about 500-550 or so? From the T5s I have, they weigh all of what, 50-60-70 pounds? (I'm a bad guesser.)

Adapter maybe 20 lbs? +clutch, parts.... You're looking at all of maybe 700 pounds or less?

With a ring of bolts on the adapter - what, 8 bolts or so?

I would make sure that you get good thread engagement when you bolt it together -- make sure you've got a good 1.5 diameters at least of the bolt in the aluminum.

I think it'd be fine. Good question though.

Pete

 

it concerned me because i always hear warnings about not bolting a 59a style flathead to a conventional engine stand.

 

That's one thing that prompted me to start this thread. It's one thing to crack a bellhousing from improper mounting, but quite another to break the back of the block off a perfectly good flattie. Maybe it's worth considering that although the flathead mounts at the front, it doesn't have mounts at the bellhousing like small block Chevy's mounted at the front. At has them at the rear of the transmission, though not as far back as the mount on a T5.

Bob

 

Don't sweat it!

 

But...a flathead bellhousing bolts to the block AND pan...360* of support. The Chevy only bolts to the block on the upper 2/3's of the bellhousing...the bottom third does not attach to the pan and is unsupported. That's why the Chevy needs more support. Apples and oranges here.

Neal

 

if Krayon 32 says it is okay, it okay by me. As just bought the set from him and the reputation of his company is steller.

 

That's good enough for me. I'm putting this worry to bed!

Bob