3.03 to Modular Bell Housing

[skblixt96]

I can't find any exact answers in the inter webs so here goes; I'm entertaining the thought of installing a 5.0 Coyote in my 72 F-100 LWB but maintaining my "three on the tree" Tremec T-170/Ford 3.03 3-speed w/o Overdrive. Is there a solution to marrying my transmission to the modular bell housing?
Thanks.

Shan

[IN2FORD]

Your best answer would be to call American Powertrain and ask for Paul. He is the head sales guy that can help you. Most likely you will need an adapter at the very least if available or a quicktime bell. I take care of all of their computer equipment so I know that they are the best place for your answer.

Also just curious why do you want to keep the 3 speed behind a motor like that? That motor needs to rev to make power and you are only going to have 3 gears. You need a motor with torque to take advantage of only 3 gears.

Barry

[skblixt96]

This is where my lack of sound knowledge leads to me just day dreaming. Would I be able to switch up the gears in both the tranny and the rear end (plan on going with an Explorer 8.8 ) and find a comfy variation/compensation? I don't plan on using the truck like a truck, but I do want it to be drivable in and out of town. My main goal is to have a modern truck while maintaining the classic experience. Floor shifter is a no for me. If there's a way to shift a T56 from the column (or any other tranny worthy) then I would be looking into that as well.
Thanks again,

Shan

[skblixt96]

I can't find the exact specs, but are a T5 and T-170's bolt patterns the same?

[Nitekruizer]

Ooops! I misread that.

[IN2FORD]

If I wanted to stay column shift than I would just use an automatic. You could gain an overdrive that way. If you use an Explorer rearend, most have a 3.73 and with your 3 speed trans you will run out of gear pretty quick. With an automatic overdrive it would be a good fit. Find a 87-93 mustang AOD. Those are not electronically controlled. Even then you still will have issues behind a coyote as far as mounting it. Probably back to a quicktime bell housing.

Barry

[skblixt96]

From what I can find, the 3 and 4 speed top loaders were widely used in performance/race setups in larger FEs, so I don't think I'll have any issues powering it with a Coyote. If anyone knows the bolt pattern specs or any common side load transmissions with matching patterns (T5?). I can't find any housings for a T-170 even on quicktimeinc.com.

[HIO Silver]

You need to determine whether the T-170 is a wide bolt pattern or a narrow bolt pattern in order to spec what adapter plate is necessary to mate it to the Coyote bell.

Alternatively, whether or not your bell is adaptable to the Coyote block.

Input shaft length and clutch diameter/spline matter too.

[IN2FORD]

Call Paul at American Powertrain. He should have all of the trans specs and what bell you will need. They are a quicktime dealer as well as having T5 and TKO bells. They also have adapters for 3 and 4 speeds.

Barry