[Christopher Cervi]

I am trying to install a steel blowproof bellhousing and block plate. The block plate will not fully seat against the block due to interference from the bolts for the rear cover. The same issue occurs if I try putting just the bellhousing on. I was told that any chevy bell will bolt to any chevy engine.

Is this an issue of just needing new bolts for the rear cover? If so, can you provide PN or link?

Also, I am noticing that the holes in the back of the oil pan do not align with any holes on the plate or bell. Are they necessary? I thought there were only the 6 bolts in the block.

 

[weidhopper]

What engine is that? It don't look like no Chevy.

 

[Christopher Cervi]

What engine is that? It don't look like no Chevy.

L59 5.3l

 

[weidhopper]

Sorry not familiar with the LS motors.

 

[weidhopper]

Is the bellhousing you have for a LS motor or a conventional Chevy motor. I think the LS motors take a different bellhousing.

 

[123pugsy]

That looks like a 60° engine. Is it from a front wheel drive car?

 

[123pugsy]

Looks like you may have an LS4

https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-engines/gm-5-3-liter-v8-small-block-ls4-engine/

The LS4’s front-wheel drive provisions resulted in several key distinctions between it and other LS-based motors:

• Start provision is located on the transmission rather than the engine block itself
• Mated to a 60-degree V6 bellhousing
• Application-specific motor mounts
• Smaller intake manifold than other LS engines
  • Throttle body provision placed on opposite end
• Modified crankshaft, timing cover, and accessory drive belt system for front-wheel drive applications

 

[Christopher Cervi]

That looks like a 60° engine. Is it from a front wheel drive car?

Definitely not an LS4. Those were transverse mounted. I got it out of an 04 Tahoe.

 

[123pugsy]

Here's a 2004 5.3 from an Avalanche.
Did you pull it or did someone you bought it from, tell you where it came from?

 

[123pugsy]

Any more pics without the plate in the way?

 

[123pugsy]

Sorry, it's probably because the plate is covering the back of the motor.

 

[123pugsy]

Yes, 6 bolts in the block, 7 holes on older style bell housings.

 

[Christopher Cervi]

Any more pics without the plate in the way?

Yeah here you go. Sorry I guess that would’ve been helpful earlier.

 

[123pugsy]

Apologies. You're golden with that.

So, what brand is it? If aftermarket import stuff, holes are usually off.
Instruction sheet mention adjustments?

 

[Christopher Cervi]

It’s supposedly a Lakewood bell. I bought it off marketplace and it’s painted so no way to know if it’s a knockoff or legit Lakewood. I did notice the bolts that are interfering on my engine are recessed in the picture you sent, so I wonder if I need to change out the rear cover?

 

[123pugsy]

Here's a close up.

 

[Christopher Cervi]

Here's a close up.


View attachment 765183

Any idea what the depth of that recessed bolt area is? It looks like I’ll need about 1/8 inch clearance.

 

[123pugsy]

Any idea what the depth of that recessed bolt area is? It looks like I’ll need about 1/8 inch clearance.

Not sure, but something like these are very shallow. Not sure of the thread size, just picked one at random.

This particular one has less than 3/16" high head.

McMaster-Carr

 

[weidhopper]

You could mark where the bolts are and drill holes in the backing plate for them. I can't see how that would hurt anything.

 

[Christopher Cervi]

You could mark where the bolts are and drill holes in the backing plate for them. I can't see how that would hurt anything.

I’m thinking of just grinding the heads of the bolts down too.