Purchased a #8650 McLeod SFI bellhousing for my 70 GS 455 a few months ago from Summit. I went to install it last week and it had .018" runout. Talked to Bill at McLeod and he sold me some adjustable dowl pins. Installed the pins in the block and the left one hit a universal pivot ball bracket on the bellhousing. Called Bill again and while I was waiting for him to call back, I bolted the starter on the block. The block plate would not fit around the starter snout. I then decided to put the bellhousing on. It didn't fit either! When Bill called back and I told him of the other issues, he put Lee on the phone. He told me Summit SHOULD give me a refund and I should call `Quicktime' as they MIGHT have something to fit my application. This was listed for my application! I hope to get a refund. Just wondered if anyone else has had this same experience? Thanks, Clark.
I thought all BOP were the same except for the starter kickout. RobbMc makes some slick alignment dowels: http://www.robbmcperformance.com/products/dowels.html
Scott, Thanks for the link. They look similar to the McLeod dowels. The McLeod bellhousing has the starter kick outs on both sides but it is not large enough on the right. This bellhousing is supposed to fit BOP and Chevrolet according to their website. Thanks, Clark.
I'd try radiusing the starter opening in the blockplate. But you might run into the same problem with the bellhousing. My Lakewood was clearenced in the starter pocket with a die grinder. Can you show us a pic of the piece the dowel pin's hitting? If it's a piece below the fork opening that's bent from the face of the bell to the scattershield itself at a right angle, I say cut it off. You're application doesn't require it. Just check with McLeod before doing so, as some companies won't let you modify an SFI bellhousing for recertification.
I have a Lakewood for sale, already block indicated. If your interested make an offer, it is like new.
Paul, The block plate would only have about 1/4" of material left if I were to grind it out. The bracket that the dowel pin hits is for a 55-57 chevy ball stud. When I asked Bill at McLeod about cutting it off, he said they would not take it back if I ran into other problems. Also, it would take more than a grind job in the starter pocket, so I decided to send it back if I can. I already put the original bellhousing back in the car. The car has a new billet flywheel, centerforce clutch, and Autogear M22W. It will never see over 5500rpm, so it will probably be o.k. Thank you for the advice, but after paying over $400 for the bellhousing, I don't think I should have to make this many corrections. Thanks again, Clark.
