T56 questions: bellhousing is 1/4" to the firewall

[almcbri]

Saturday I mocked up the T56 bellhousing to see what kind of space I have from the firewall. I have right at a 1/4" from where the trans tunnel/firewall meet. This is with the transmission setting level.

Does the T56 need to be perfectly level or can I drop it a bit when I build my crossmember. I am concerned that it could hit.
Should I make a modification to my firewall or is this a normal? I am running the stock plates. They are not suppost to move the block back, if anything I guess I could always figure a way of moving the motor forward.

Thanks,

Andrew

[214Chevy]

Originally Posted by almcbri

Saturday I mocked up the T56 bellhousing to see what kind of space I have from the firewall. I have right at a 1/4" from where the trans tunnel/firewall meet. This is with the transmission setting level.

Does the T56 need to be perfectly level or can I drop it a bit when I build my crossmember. I am concerned that it could hit.
Should I make a modification to my firewall or is this a normal? I am running the stock plates. They are not suppost to move the block back, if anything I guess I could always figure a way of moving the motor forward.

Thanks,

Andrew

I'm no genius by a long shot, but I would keep in mind and at least be concerned with pinion angle if you do decide to drop it a bit. Dropping it too much will put stress on your tranny's output shaft. I know this will cost more (unless you're doing it yourself), but I would modify the firewall. 1/4" is very close and may rub against your bellhousing while driving when the body is moving up and down on bumps. Also while cornering and the body is flexing.

[Vegas69]

The right way to do it is to get the car to ride height and adjust your pinion and driveline angle and cut if needed.

[almcbri]

Thanks! That is what I needed to hear. It will take a little work to modify it, but I would rather get it right before the car is back together. I am building the x-member and I will adjust accordingly.