Lakewood vs. Quicktime Bellhousing

[kevins2]

I've been reading favorable things about the Quicktime bellhousing over the Lakewood 15210 so decided to list some facts (at least I think they're facts) and reach out to ask for feedback. The application will be an ERA S/C 427 with a 428 and TKO 600. I've read that the Quicktime frequently bolts on and is within specs from a dial-in perspective compared to the Lakewood, which is frequently a bear. Funny thing is that I've also read exactly the opposite, so not sure about this one. Should be checked one way or the other but would be nice not to have to deal with adjustments. Also, no flange to trim on the Quicktime and it is lighter. However, it is my understanding that with the 428 block, the Quicktime requires a spacer plate between the block and bellhousing, requires a hi-torque starter (more $$), and the front transmission shaft has to be cut off. All things considered I think I'll go with the Lakewood unless there is more to this story...

Regards,

Kevin

[Ralphy]

As best I know the spacer is used so you do not have to cut the Tremec input shaft off. Tremec also sells a input shaft to do away with this issue, but $$$.

[blykins]

The Quicktime is a better manufactured bellhousing. Half the weight, smaller footprint.

Prestolite now owns both Lakewood and Quicktime and they are phasing out the Lakewood bellhousings.

Both require a block plate (part of the protection of a steel bellhousing).

The Quicktime can use the stock starter.

The Quicktime is available in either flavor, so you can buy one to use the regular length TKO input, or buy one to use a Toploader length input. (Which one you need will depend on which Cobra you have....i.e. a Kirkham necessitates the use of a short input shaft trans, thus forcing you into a Toploader style bellhousing.)

You will need to dial both of them in (at least check), but chances are that the Lakewood will need adjusting. I've had a few Quicktimes that also needed it, but in general, they are very nicely manufactured and machined. Keep in mind that if your block has had a lot of machine work done (line bored, etc.) that this can affect the centerline of the crankshaft, thus affecting how the bellhousing sits in relation to the crank.

[dallas_]

I agree with blykins on the Quicktime.

I found that the starter hole on my blockplate had to be clearanced just a bit for the starter to engage the flywheel properly. But that was on a SBF so yours may not need that. It wouldn't hurt to check it before you reinstall though.

[RodKnock]

I can't wait for D-Cel's post. Let me just say, he's on record that he doesn't like QT bellhousings and he doesn't like the way they advertise them as SFI-rated, if I'm remembering correctly.

My QT bellhousing needed no adjustment. Fit perfectly.

If you want D-Cel's opinion, then I would do a search. It's always good to hear opposing opinions.

[DanEC]

Kevin - I went with the Quicktime and even had KC go ahead and zero it in for me although I have done it before on other motors. It's lighter, physically more compact, and you don't have to saw the bottom off so that it won't hang on curbs and speed bumps. Nothing against Lakewood - I just think Quicktime is a step forward.

[gsharapa]

I have a Quicktime also on 427/496 KC FE. I have TKO 600 with the short input shaft as you can buy them either way. The specs on my car are identical to CSX4000/Kirkham and really made for a 4 speed but with the Qucktime and short shaft TKO600 everything lined up and bolted right in. I sent my bellhousing to Keith Craft and he did dial check it prior to shipping my engine to me.

I had a lakewood an two previous Cobras and they were heavier and more difficult in my opinion to install and also don't look as good. I had a clutch blow up on me in a 1970 Boss 302 and made a mess but these cars are so light and clutches are so good now I'm not really worried about that any more.

[ERA 778]

I went with a QuickTime on my 428 from Keith Craft. I checked it myself and as I recall, didn't really have to adjust the centering at all. Used a stock starter and a Richmond Gear 5-speed. The input shaft on the RG had to be trimmed, but that was no big deal either.

The other things already mentioned were some of the reasons I chose the QT, and Keith recommended it as well.

[Mark IV]

Our experience is that the Quicktime is much less likely to need adjustment to dial in properly.

The "SFI" thing is that QT sells several of the same application units in both SFI approved and non-SFI models. I have been told the only difference is the SFI certification decal and that if you don't need the cert choose the cheaper, non cert version.

Don't know for sure if that is true, your results may vary.

[tkb289]

Kevin,

I went with the QuickTime as well, with a TKO 600 for the 302 in my ERA FIA and it all went together quite well.

One suggestion is to purchase the key components and their related ancillary bits and pieces, including the fasteners from the same supplier. This will most likely minimize fitment issues when the motor and drive line are installed.

There are many fine suppliers / builders here on CC that can set you up with what you need.

Once you have a list, run it past Peter, Bob or Doug at ERA to see if there are any potential issues.

[RICK LAKE]

Kevin2 Kevin there at a couple of different QT bellhousing that fit the same motor but are tested and not certified. This was the last big issue with QT. I am also looking at a QT for the next motor.
Here's what was beaten around from last thread
QT now said which bellhousing are 6.1 certified and do cost more than the ones tested. Most people say they bolt right up without and issues of centering to the block and crank shaft. Depending on how thick the block plate is, you MAY have to cut this for some starters to get FULL tooth engagement to the flywheel. This is a problem that Lake wood has. An OEM starter my work OK but a mini starter you need to check the contact patch. Here the other issue QT test was done with a 28 pound flywheel for the explode test. Some guys have 40 pound flywheels on there motors. I when from a 40 pounder to a 22 pounder. I have had Lakewood save my legs from a disc schattering when racing. I have Lakewoods on all my manual speed cars. As far as trannies some needs to have different input shafts to work with an FE combo and GM trans input shaft. With Lakewood You may have to cut .380" off the end of input to not destroy thrust bearing in motor. This check is VERY IMPORTANT. Lakewood is bigger, heavier, takes 2-3 hours to center and is a pain to install and remove, BUT I have not seen any pictures of blown flywheels with QT bellhousings. My clutch blowing up was in a bellhousing 8 years pass recert date for NHRA.
Note, If you cut the bottom of the bellhousing you can void the warrentity from Lake wood if they seam to say so. I have not cut the bottom off mine and run at a 4" frame height. You have to watch the road and stay out of parking lots with speed bumps. If you want to run a QT bell housing, I would reccomend that you run a light flywheel with a steel insert. Also check the clutch assembly for a cert on it for high rpms. Stock OEM ones DON'T have this and limit rpms to 6,500rpm max. Bottom line, study before buying. Make 100% sure you have the correct setup. Also pay the extra money for top of the line product that will protect your legs from a failure of a part that is spinning at what ever rpms. Think about walking the rest of your life on your own 2 good legs. Rick L.

[Riverside racer]

Besides the safety issues (which is why they are used in the first place) I have fitted a lakewood to a 289 and a 427 cobra with original chassis, They don`t fit without some serious trimming done to them. The Q.T slips in no probs and to my eye just looks neater. A bit like a blimp vs a fighter plane!
Ross

[Riverside racer]

Just remembered the lakewood we used on the 289 was used because the motor had a 164 tooth flywheel so no option but to use a lakewood besides changing the flywheel and the possibilty of upsetting the balanced assembly

[DougD]

Another thing to think about is what type of clutch release you will use. Most use either an external hydraulic slave setup or and internal one. If using the external, you will need to decide what type of bracket you can use to mount the slave cylinder to the block or bellhousing. If I was doing it again, I would go with a setup from here:

Forte's Parts Connection - TREMEC, FACTORY FIVE COBRA PARTS, FORD RACING PARTS, FFR, MUSTANG, TRANSMISSIONS, T-56, T-5, TKO, TR-3550

or from here:

B2 Motorsports LLC

I'd recommend the external slave setup.

DougD

[mreid]

I used the Quicktime, but on a 427w in my Kirkham 289 car. I checked it, but it was perfect, so no offset pins. I had to use the toploader shallower BH and the short input shaft TKO600. Interestingly, it uses the same engine plate as the standard small block plate and I had to clearance the starter hole like Dallas described above. This BH uses a big block fork with the pivot on the driver's side. Forte's provided an external slave and bracket. I welded the clevis onto the fork and had to clearance the fork slightly so it would clear the rear flange on the TO bearing, but it works perfectly. Long story to get to the point - go with the Quicktime as it is superior, but do some research to make sure there are not any issues to address with your specific set up.

[Xack]

I have a 460 stock engine with a TKO-600 and a Lakewood bellhousing. I took the junk Lakewood to a machine shop. The tranny hole was too big and was out-of-round. I found 2 places in the hole that huge dips. To get it to work I had to weld up the jagged edged hole and re-cut it to proper dimensions to fit the tranny on a mill. That was a trick.

I would N-E-V-E-R buy a Lakewood housing for anything. That housing was absolute junk before I fixed it. I'd take my chances with something else any day.

Xack

[mdross1]

Have had my Lakewood for a lot of years with flange trimmed for road clearance and it needed no adjustment.Never heard of Quicktime until reading about them here,maybe cause I never looked.Love knowing the steel bell is there after seeing a sbc Corvette almost cut in half at drag strip many years ago with flywheel explosion.