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Old 01-18-2020, 05:52 AM   #1
jrvariel48
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Default T5 Bellhousing

I have a question about the Speedway/Offenhauser bellhousing.
Has anyone cut an inspection hole into their bellhousing? It would be really nice to see exactly what's going on in there and would help in finalizing adjustments.
I'd like to do it, but thought maybe it would compromise the structural integrity.
Any thoughts??
Thanks, Joe
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Old 01-18-2020, 11:13 AM   #2
cmbrucew
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Default Re: T5 Bellhousing

Maybe drill a test hole to determine the thickness.


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Old 01-18-2020, 01:08 PM   #3
donald1950
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Default Re: T5 Bellhousing

i used a hole saw and drilled a 1 inch hole so i could see the throw out bearing clearance, then used the silver air duct tape to seal it.
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Old 01-18-2020, 03:04 PM   #4
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Default Re: T5 Bellhousing

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Originally Posted by cmbrucew View Post
Maybe drill a test hole to determine the thickness.
Bruce

One can easily measure the thickness right there at the square hole for the clutch release arm. DD


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Old 01-18-2020, 08:57 PM   #5
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Default Re: T5 Bellhousing

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One can easily measure the thickness right there at the square hole for the clutch release arm. DD


Mine doesn't have that hole. I have the original style crossbar.
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Old 01-18-2020, 08:58 PM   #6
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Default Re: T5 Bellhousing

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Originally Posted by donald1950 View Post
i used a hole saw and drilled a 1 inch hole so i could see the throw out bearing clearance, then used the silver air duct tape to seal it.
Were you able to see well enough to check clearances?
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Old 01-18-2020, 08:58 PM   #7
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Default Re: T5 Bellhousing

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Maybe drill a test hole to determine the thickness.


Bruce
It's pretty thick! I'd say at least a 1/4"
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Old 01-18-2020, 09:05 PM   #8
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Default Re: T5 Bellhousing

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i used a hole saw and drilled a 1 inch hole so i could see the throw out bearing clearance, then used the silver air duct tape to seal it.
I drill a similar hole in the AOD bellhousing when rebuilding one to help with installation.
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Old 01-18-2020, 10:46 PM   #9
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Default Re: T5 Bellhousing

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Mine doesn't have that hole. I have the original style crossbar.

Well, to measure this still ain't no big trick for a show dog. Take a pair of these Vise Grip pliers and adjust 'til the two tips just barely touch both sides of the adapter's web when squeezed tight. Remove from adapter, squeeze shut again, and measure the open space between the two clamping tips...piece of cake. But yeah, it's gonna be somewhere near 1/4". DD


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Old 01-19-2020, 06:17 AM   #10
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Default Re: T5 Bellhousing

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Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN View Post
Well, to measure this still ain't no big trick for a show dog. Take a pair of these Vise Grip pliers and adjust 'til the two tips just barely touch both sides of the adapter's web when squeezed tight. Remove from adapter, squeeze shut again, and measure the open space between the two clamping tips...piece of cake. But yeah, it's gonna be somewhere near 1/4". DD


That's an excellent idea!! I'm truly humbled by the talent and experience here on the Barn! Thank you V8!
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Old 01-19-2020, 06:18 AM   #11
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Default Re: T5 Bellhousing

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I drill a similar hole in the AOD bellhousing when rebuilding one to help with installation.
What size did you go with?
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Old 01-19-2020, 09:52 AM   #12
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Default Re: T5 Bellhousing

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What size did you go with?
I don't remember the exact size, I will have to check. But about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.

Last edited by JSeery; 01-19-2020 at 10:32 AM.
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Old 01-19-2020, 11:06 AM   #13
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Default Re: T5 Bellhousing

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I don't remember the exact size, I will have to check. But about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
OK, I was thinking of a 2" round hole. I really don't think it'll hurt the structure at all. With the new diaphragm style clutch I'm installing, I'd really like to see what's going on in there so I can make the correct adjustments
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Old 01-19-2020, 03:28 PM   #14
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Default Re: T5 Bellhousing

We cut a 2” hole in ours with a hole saw , cut real slow and have a solid grip on the drill. Cut very easily though . We cut the hole as when we took the clutch push rod off the fingers slipped off the release bearing, bugger. Ours was not a speedway adapter but varied from 1/2” to 3/4” thick so there is some substance to drill through.
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Old 01-20-2020, 03:54 PM   #15
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Default Re: T5 Bellhousing

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We cut a 2” hole in ours with a hole saw , cut real slow and have a solid grip on the drill. Cut very easily though . We cut the hole as when we took the clutch push rod off the fingers slipped off the release bearing, bugger. Ours was not a speedway adapter but varied from 1/2” to 3/4” thick so there is some substance to drill through.
Great, thanks for your input!
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