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Short Type 9 Bell-housing???
Dick Axtell - 16/1/19 at 09:50 PM

Have heard rumour that these exist. Really?? Does anyone know more detail about such a shorter bell-housing? If so, please let me know where I can get one.

TIA, Dick.


snapper - 16/1/19 at 10:48 PM

Why do you need a short bellhousing?
What engine?
What type 9, there are several input shafts but mostly the V6 long and inline short


Dick Axtell - 17/1/19 at 09:49 AM

1: To enable me to shift engine + g/box back by 28mm. (Camshaft housing/cover interferes with rear edge of nosecone).

2: Engine - Zetec silvertop 1.6.

Have been advised (on another forum) to try using the shorter bell-housing. In my reply, I observed that I would have to rebuild the gearbox, with a shorter input shaft.


nick205 - 17/1/19 at 11:18 AM

Would it not be easier to cut a notch out of the rear edge of the nose cone?

+ if the engine is fouling the rear edge of the nose cone is it not fouling the bonnet as well?

Can you fit shorter engine mounts to lower the engine in the chassis?


rusty nuts - 17/1/19 at 12:49 PM

I’m not aware of a shorter bell housing than the 4 cylinder type 9 , the V6 and the diesel use the long input shaft and deeper bell housing. Have you any clearance between the chassis and bell housing that would allow the engine and gearbox to got hurt her backwards ?, prop may need shortening? As already suggested can the engine be lowered ? Could you modify the nose one and bonnet? The Luego Velocity has a bulge that looks good , may be an idea?


big_wasa - 17/1/19 at 03:25 PM

Is this somthing like a t9 in an Mk Indy ? You would get the box back by chopping a chunk out of the bell housing.


sam919 - 17/1/19 at 04:07 PM

You get standard and long 173 and 192 mm. I’m sure SBD sell them. Shorter may be referring to standard, do you have the length of your existing unit! If you have the standard you’d only be looking at 19mm further back not 28. There must be some wriggle room to get the 11mm somewhere though?

[Edited on 17/1/19 by sam919]


Dick Axtell - 17/1/19 at 05:15 PM

Thanks to all for your replies. If I could upload a jpg of the Zetec front end/nosecone rear edge, it would help to illustrate the problem. Unfortunately, I now have another problem - apparently there is a problem with my SQL database (whatever that is ?????). Which prevents me uploading even a resized photo.

As regards other points made (engine height), (I) I have already fitted a Scholar shortened sump, to enable me to mount the engine lower (sump floor sits just below chassis rail); (ii) there is only 10mm clearance between rear face of bell-housing and chassis; (iii) its not an Indy chassis, but an older Locost version. (Chassis height = 11 ins, not 12ins as for Indy).


MikeR - 17/1/19 at 07:54 PM

Saw your other post and didn't have time to reply.

Alternative options,

1 inch spacer on the bodywork to lift it up

Bigger wheels, lower engine

Double check the bellhousing size - probably easiest.

I have seen other cars with the bonnet mounting lip (so covered by the bonnet) trimmed.