When did the 200 get the dual bolt pattern - '66 or '67?

[BKNLINE]

Well, David and Dennis's Ford Falcon Performance Handbook list the first year as '67 but Al's transmission history page list C6 or '66. Are they referring to the same year '67 since the '67s could have a block cast in 1966? So would a 1966 model year 200 not have the dual bolt pattern for the transmission bell housing?

I'm soooo confused...

Dean T

 

[Guest]

C6 and later 170/220 blocks got the dual pattern.

Al

 

[BKNLINE]

C6 and later 170/220 blocks got the dual pattern.

Al

Hi Al!

So, would that mean even the 1966 model year Mustangs and Falcons with the C6 blocks have the dual bolt patterns and not just the 1967 and later model years? Sorry to be so dense on this. I think it's all the chemical fumes from the painting I've been doing. *G*

Oh, btw. Would you happen to know where I may find an '81 Mustang I6 T-4 bellhousing?

Thanks!

Dean T

 

[Guest]

The block changed in '66. The key is the number of starter bolts. If you have 3, then you have the 60-65 bell. This can be mounted to any block using the original holes (lower ones in the dual pattern block). If you have a 2-bolt starter, it can only be behind a dual-pattern block because it utilizes the upper holes.

Just because the block changed in '66 doesn't mean that Ford immediately went to the larger bell/flywheel combo. My research has shown that the transition date lines in the Mustang platform were clear cut, but parts were used up in the Falcon/Comet platform into the '67 Models.

Best of luck on the T-4 bell. They are almost as rare as Hen's teeth. I know of an up and coming project to re-cast them, but can't tell you an availability date. You can find the SROD bell easier and could weld up and redrill the holes for a T-5 pattern. You also need to have the center hole opened up for fit the T-5 input shaft retainer. A competent machinist could do the work in under 2 hours easily.

Al

 

[BKNLINE]

Thanks Al!

Looks like I'll have to pay attention to the block configuration and ask questions if I can't see it in person.


Yeah, I have an SROD bell and it's the second or third one I've seen and I live in Southern Cal! I hope it's good enough to mod but I'd like the real thing, just in case.

I told a couple friends about it to keep an eye out for them but I think they don't care and that I'm nuts keeping the I6.

Regards,

Dean T

 

[Guest]

With my SROD bell, it is completely stress cracked and destroyed around the ball pivot mount which makes the bell junk unless I feel like going crazy fixing it. My input into the re-cast of the T-4 bell was to add more material around that point to make it stronger. Simple enough to do, just take more out of the mold

Al

 

[BKNLINE]

With my SROD bell, it is completely stress cracked and destroyed around the ball pivot mount which makes the bell junk unless I feel like going crazy fixing it. My input into the re-cast of the T-4 bell was to add more material around that point to make it stronger. Simple enough to do, just take more out of the mold

Al

I see! If you do get some recast improved T-4 bells, let me know! I'll probably need one by then since my SROD bell is the same vintage as your's and I'll be running a suped up engine with 3.55:1 rear.

Regards,

Dean T