Whether you're on a tight budget or seeking high-performance parts for racing, there's a T56 bellhousing to fit your needs. We delve into the specifics of cast and QuickTime bellhousings, offering insights to help you make the best choice for your build.

Affordable Cast Bellhousings: The Budget-Friendly Option

The Tick Performance LS-T56 Cast Bellhousing for F-Body and GTO is designed as a replacement for the original equipment (OE) F-body bellhousing. For those unfamiliar, the OE F-body bellhousing was used in 1998-2002 LS1 F-body vehicles with a T56 transmission. This bellhousing is also quite similar to the one used in the GTO, with a few distinctions regarding the starter configuration.

Compatibility and Applications

This cast bellhousing is popular among enthusiasts performing engine swaps into older vehicles like a Chevelle or Camaro. If you're building a cruiser and dropping in an LS engine with a T56 transmission, this affordable, functional bellhousing is ideal.

Key Benefits

• Cost-Effective: It's a low-investment solution that works efficiently.
• Ease of Use: Simple installation without the need for complicated indexing.
• Lightweight: Easier to handle during installation compared to heavier alternatives.

QuickTime Bellhousings: For the Performance-Oriented Builder

For those involved in competitive racing or looking for high-performance parts, QuickTime bellhousings are the way to go. These bellhousings are designed to withstand the rigors of racing, providing enhanced safety and durability.

Why Choose QuickTime?

Quick Time bellhousings are constructed from steel, making them explosion-proof and capable of containing clutch failures. While more exotic materials like titanium are available, they come at a significantly higher cost. QuickTime offers a balance between performance and cost, making it a top choice for many builders.

Stock Options and Compatibility

We stock two popular QuickTime bellhousings suitable for LS and some Gen5 LT engines:

1. RM-8019: A non-SFI approved, low-profile bellhousing that offers improved ground clearance. Great for street-strip cars making serious power.
2. RM-8020: SFI approved, with a full explosion-proof design for maximum safety. Ideal for serious racers and may be required depending on the racing class rules.

Installation Considerations

One common question is whether these bellhousings work with an original TR6060. The answer is no. TR6060 bellhousings and front plates are integrated, making them incompatible with standard T56 bellhousings. Adapting a TR6060 for this purpose involves significant modifications, which are not straightforward.

Comparing Quick Time Bellhousing Models

RM-8019: Low-Profile, Non-SFI Approved

The  RM-8019 is designed to be compact, eliminating the lower section of the bellhousing to provide more overall ground clearance. This makes it suitable for street use where ground clearance is a concern. However, it does not have the SFI approval, meaning it's not certified for competitive racing.

RM-8020: SFI Approved for Racing

In contrast, the  RM-8020 is SFI approved, making it suitable for racing applications. It features a lower flange designed to protect the oil pan from a clutch explosion, ensuring no gaps that could lead to failures or or cause an issue with containing an explosion.

Pricing

There is a price difference of about $100 between the two models, with the RM-8019 being the cheaper option. However, for those needing the safety and reliability of SFI approval, the RM-8020 is worth the extra cost.

Installation and Indexing Tips

Importance of Indexing

Proper alignment is crucial for the performance and safety of your bellhousing. Quick Time bellhousings are roll-formed and welded, which can sometimes lead to slight misalignments. To ensure accurate alignment, use an indexing plate.

How to Align Bellhousing

1. Attach the Indexing Plate: Bolt it to the bellhousing using the same hardware as the transmission.
2. Measure Alignment: Use an indicator to measure the concentricity of the bellhousing to the crankshaft center. QuickTime refers to the misalignment has one-half of the indicator reading (maximum allowable is .005”).

Checking for Parallel Surfaces

Ensuring the bellhousing surfaces are parallel is another critical step. Use a flat surface and an indicator to sweep the top and bottom surfaces for accuracy. If discrepancies are found, adjustments may be necessary.

Preparing Surfaces

Before installation, sand the mating surfaces to remove any powder coat buildup, which can affect measurements and alignment. Use 80-grit sandpaper followed by 120-grit to smooth the surfaces without stripping them down to bare metal.

Conclusion

Our new T56 Swap Bellhousing is an excellent, lightweight, and affordable option for those performing swaps or needing an F-body replacement bellhousing. Whether you're building a street rod, cruiser, or race car, we have the right bellhousing in stock and ready to ship.

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FAQs

Can I use a Tick Performance cast bellhousing in a GTO?

Yes, but you need to use an F-body starter to ensure compatibility due to differences in the starter snout design.

What is the difference between SFI-approved and non-SFI approved bellhousings?

SFI-approved bellhousings are certified for use in competitive racing, providing enhanced safety features to contain clutch explosions. Non-SFI approved bellhousings are typically used for street applications where such certification is not required.

Why is indexing important when installing a bellhousing?

Indexing ensures the bellhousing is perfectly aligned with the crankshaft, preventing vibrations and misalignments that could lead to transmission or engine damage.

Can QuickTime bellhousings be used with TR6060 transmissions?

No, TR6060 transmissions have integrated bellhousings and front plates, making them incompatible with standard T56 bellhousings without significant modifications.

What should I check for when installing a bellhousing?

Ensure the bellhousing surfaces are parallel and properly aligned. Sand the mating surfaces to remove any powder coat buildup and measure the alignment using an indexing plate.

What is the benefit of a low-profile bellhousing like the RM-8019?

Low-profile bellhousings provide better ground clearance, making them ideal for street use where avoiding road obstacles is a priority.