Educate me about bellhousings

[ChallengerHK]

I've decided to do a conversion to manual. My knowledge of automatics is pretty good, but my knowledge of manuals is...not so good 

So, my first question is, I see several small block bellhousings available. Different size clutches, different size bearing retainers, some other differences. What do I need, and what is preferable? (I'm looking at 500 HP if I'm lucky.)

[polarbear123]

http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=71

What you have to watch out for is the crank it is much more shallow on an auto than a manual. The input shaft of tranny will have to be cut. Call Brewer's they are great to work with they will answer all your questions. 937-698-4259

[Chryco Psycho]

or the better way is to drill the back of the crank , it doesn't have to be centered if you use the Dakota pilot brg , this way you do not have to distroy yet another not replacable trans input shafts

[ChallengerHK]

I'll be stroking it anyway (that doesn't sound right, but it's true nonetheless  ) so I'm assuming that I'll just get a crank with the right depth at that point.

[Chryco Psycho]

the clutch system I would use is a McLeod 11" 3 finger borg & beck / long style with a 130 tooth flywheel , the brg retainer for the trans should be the larger 4.80 " , there is a spacer ring to reduce to 4.35" if needed

[71chmark]

Trimming the input shaft doesn't destroy it.  It just makes it a little shorter.

[dodj]

I'll be stroking it anyway (that doesn't sound right, but it's true nonetheless  )

Nothing wrong with that......