Possible to Mate a 289 to a '49 3 speed trans?
 

I have a buddy with a 49 Ford coupe thats running the original flathead with a 3 speed overdrive transmission. The flathead is on its last leg and he has a 289 available that he could put in it for a while. He is wondering what year bellhousing or bellhousing with adaptor combination would allow the '49 3 speed to bolt to the 289. Any help is appreciated!

Re: Possible to Mate a 289 to a '49 3 speed trans?
 

I think any 1960s bells will fit.

Re: Possible to Mate a 289 to a '49 3 speed trans?
 

It does matter if the 289 is a five bolt or six bolt bell housing.

Re: Possible to Mate a 289 to a '49 3 speed trans?
 

I checked with my buddy and his 289 takes the 6 bolt bell housing.

Re: Possible to Mate a 289 to a '49 3 speed trans?
 

BTTT. Anyone have more information on this?

Re: Possible to Mate a 289 to a '49 3 speed trans?
 

If my memory serves me right it will mate to the 289 bellhousing, bottom holes only. weld up inside of bell where top holes go and drill and tap new holes. I used to have a bellhousing for this set up but, I don't know if I still have it or not. When this f--king ice goes away I will see if I can get into the barn and look!

Re: Possible to Mate a 289 to a '49 3 speed trans?
 

The early 221/260/289 series Ford engines used the narrow Borg Warner pattern transmission bolt up for Falcons & Mustangs as well as a few others. I've never checked the early Ford units to see how close they are but estout81 is probably correct on a slight difference. These early bell housings have to match up with the block they were entended for since they won't fit up with the later 302 types. They may be a little harder to find now days. It might be easier to modify an aftermarket stamped steel bell housing for the narrow bolt pattern than to find one of the old ones.

Kerby

Re: Possible to Mate a 289 to a '49 3 speed trans?
 

This company has adaptors/spacers for almost any Ford engine/tranny combo.

http://www.moderndriveline.com/