Mcleod vs Lakewood SFI Bell Housing ?

[Aubrey N Bruneau]

I recently sold my 20+ year-old Mcleod "traditional" scatter-shield, to replace it with a new SFI unit for my Chevy Stocker. I just received my new McLeod P/N 8630 bell housing. Let's just say that I'm less than enhanted by the APPARENT level of quality in machining and finish, and the "fit-all" design, which seems to add a bit of uneccessary weight ( remember my relentless traction problem ? ).

I still have time to purchase the better part, and yes, I certainly SHOULD have asked about this before going out and buying one !
Any opinions on these things ?
I'm not worried in the slightest, about the appearance, if it turns out that the alignment is dead-on. Should I expect the aignment for the transmission to be dead-on ?

[james schaechter]

If the alignment is dead on in any bellhousing I would be shocked. It isn't just the bellhousing but the block too that can be off. It will bite you later if you don't adjust it now. TAVIA makes offset dowels that are nice and easy to use.

[Jim Davis]

Hi Aubrey, I am using a Lakewood behind big block mule motor and had to use offset dowels to get it centered. I think that will be the case most of the time.
The quality of the Lakewood is very good,however they are pricey.I also had to extend the clutch fork hole. If you would like more detailes e-mail me.Oh I also got the inspection window option.

Jim Davis

[Arnold Greene]

Aubrey, you should get a Lakewood housing and have it parallel ground BEFORE trying to indicate it. You can PM me if you can't get it done locally.

[SSDiv6]

One of the best SFI bellhousings in the market are made by Quick Time Performance. They are lightweight, fits right on the money and are SFI approved. The y also have a big selection of applications.

http://www.quicktimeinc.com/products.html

[Aubrey N Bruneau]

Thank YOU for all the replies, guys.
The new unit that I just bought, is a McLeod. The way the transmission mating surface is "machnined", it looks like ( hopefully ) it has already been prepared in an attempt to make it parallel... sure hope so, 'cuz the rest of it leaves some to be desired !
My old Lakewood, was a FAR more professional appearing part... and it fit my Chevrolet V8 block... and ONLY my Chevrolet V8 block ( universal fits just bug me ). Jim, that offset dowel system, is JUST the silliness that I think a $400 bell housing should NOT require ! Oh yes, the inspection window option is a must with these things.

SSDiv6... I just sent a message to the people at Quick Time. I'll follow up in the morning with a phone call. Thanks for the tip... even 5 pounds less on the front end, would be a help !

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Aubrey N Bruneau

SSDiv6... I just sent a message to the people at Quick Time. I'll follow up in the morning with a phone call. Thanks for the tip... even 5 pounds less on the front end, would be a help !

After you install a Quick Time Bellhousing, you will never use anything else. Their bellhousings are manufactured with input from racers and engine builders and they are spun, not stamped. This makes the bellhousing metal thickness uniform across the board and lighter without sacrificing safety.