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1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Slick Sixties Ford Truck

Bellhousing adapter

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Old Mar 28, 2009 | 01:48 PM
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Bellhousing adapter

I bought a 4 speed toploader to bolt onto the 302 that I have and after I bought the transmission people started telling me that Ford changed the small block bellhousing in the mid sixties. The transmission I have has the older pattern on it and the motor I have is from 1968. Can I get an adapter to make this work or do I need to find a different transmission?
 
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Old Mar 28, 2009 | 11:46 PM
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All you need is the correct bellhousing. I believe and if I'm not right I'm sure someone will correct me that the small block bolt pattern( engine to bellhousing) changed from 5 bolt to 6 in 65.
 
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Old Mar 29, 2009 | 02:44 AM
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Originally Posted by 1996pwrstrk
I believe and if I'm not right I'm sure someone will correct me that the small block bolt pattern (engine to bellhousing) changed from 5 bolt to 6 in 65.
5 bolt: before production date 8/23/1964.

6 bolt: after production date 8/23/1964.

This production date applies to passenger cars only, because F100's didn't get a 302 till the 1969 model year, ditto for Econolines.

No 221/260/289's were factory installed in F Series trucks or Econolines. Passenger cars (includes Ranchero's) and 1966/68 Bronco's (289) only.

In addition, the 5 bolt 221/260 & 289 engines use an aluminum waterpump and timing cover. On the 6 bolt engines..these parts are cast iron.

The 302 engine was introduced in the spring of 1968 (in cars only in 1968)...so they're all 6 bolt.
 
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Old Mar 29, 2009 | 08:15 AM
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Thanks Bill I don't feel totally wrong.
 
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Old Mar 29, 2009 | 08:34 AM
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Originally Posted by 1996pwrstrk
Thanks Bill I don't feel totally wrong.
You weren't wrong at all, you were 100% correct.

However, what you didn't know is that when ppl give that 1965 cutoff date, it really only refers to 1965 Mustangs.

1965 Mustangs were introduced on April 23, 1964...before 8/23/1964 all with 260's or 289's have that 5 hole engine.

The 1964 Falcons, Fairlanes, Comets and Galaxies have the 5 bolt engine. 1965, thay have the 6 bolt engine.

After 8/23/64, there were no more 260's and all the 289's regardless of what they were installed in...have the 6 bolt engine.

btw: Ford never refered to Mustangs sold before 8/23/64 as 1964 models, and also never called these early cars 1964 1/2's.
 
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Old Mar 29, 2009 | 11:44 AM
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So from what I can gather from your replies, this transmission will mate to the back of that motor without any problems?
 
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Old Mar 29, 2009 | 01:33 PM
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The tranny bolts to the bellhousing that bolts to the block, If the bellhousing is 6 bolt you should be in good to go with a 68 302.
 
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