Firewall / Tunnels 60&61's

[powerband]

I test fit a '71 170 engine in my '61 Comet and found the larger Bell/Tranny (3.03) is vey tight. I wasn't foolish enuff to think it would bolt in first time so I checked Header clearances and such. The top bolts on the bell/block hit the fierewall and the 3.03' shift ears are tight to the tunnel. I am planning on welding in the MAverick rear Xmember that I got with the eng/tranny but will need Firewall/Tunnel "Forming" to accomplish. The car has the cantilever spring setup/2.77. The Xmember is cut out of the Mav body including "frame component"and has a much larger tunnel

. Will C-4 Tranny mounts conversions, readily available fit the 3.03 and roundbody 61 ?, I might keep it simple and open up the shift ear tunnel instead of the Mav Xmember. It still loks tight but I know T5's are used but the larger bell/tranny is the initial problem.

I will attempt to use the "3 On The Tree with a Bench" column setup from the 2.77 after finding it cool and unknown to the local young motorheads.


Thanks, Any USEFUL info appreciated. PB

 

[gotta61comet]

I know what you're going through. I dropped a 66/67 mix in my 61 Comet and had the same results. The fins and bolts on the Bellhousing are fractions of an inch away from the firewall. The motor mounts have some front to rear adjustment room. Mine is all the way to the front. I would have to rethink things if I need to go to a 3 core radiator.
I was able to use the stock tranny cross member with some modifications, and the stock drive shaft fits fine.
I got Cliffy Dual Shorty headers, and the Idler Arm is pretty close to were the finished pipes will be. I also found that the connecter for the starter comes REAL close to the header. Need to rethink that one.

Let me know how you make out . I hope to finish my car before the end of the month.

Jim