My Viper T-56 weighs 140 lbs, twice as much as my M21. The crossmember sits farther back which seems like it would put additional stress on the bellhousing. Would that along with the extra weight be too much for a stock aluminum bellhousing? They seem so fragile. Or am I worring too much?

I currently have a Lakewood scattershield installed but my El Camino won't be seeing the severe duty I thought it would. So, I'm considering putting the stock aluminum bell back in since I have to yank the engine anyways.

I would leave the Lakewood in place, much stronger unit than the stock bell housing. I won't use one of the stock deals with a Muncie or for that matter any trans combo. I blew up a clutch, don't care to repeat that deal again.