[Rory McNeil]

I don`t know if this applies to GM bellhousings, but on my 427/428 FE Fords, Lakewood made some design changes some time ago. The earlier Lakewood had smaller lower containment bolts than the later versions, the later unit also had a thick reinforcement strip welded to the upper flange where the 4 upper bolts attach the housing to the block. I assume that either the earlier version had problems, or the SFI test procedure got more demanding. Both had SFI stickers, but I have to wonder if they would recertify the earlier models . Before his untimely death, I used to bring my Lakewood and McLeod scattershields to Tim Hyatt for inspection and recertification at his support trailer during national events. I understand Tims son is still doing clutch rebuilds, although he does not travel the NHRA circuit like Tim did. Not sure if the son can do the bellhousing recerts.