Dirt Late Model Drivetrain - The Bulletproof Bellhousing

Quarter Master recommends red Loctite on the bolts and torquing them to 25-30 ft-lbs. You'll probably need someone to assist you because the support rod will spin as you try to tighten the fastener that locks it in place if you don't put a wrench on it.

With all the accessories out of the way, you can now mount the mid-plate to the bellhousing using the holes you've already drilled and tapped.

The Quarter Master starter is designed to work with a 12-volt electrical system, but the manufacturer says it will also work on 16 volts as well. If you're using a remote solenoid, you probably will want to install the included jumper to simplify the wiring. Use a 1/8-inch drill bit to open up the hole in the spade terminal for the jumper screw.

The darker copper-colored piece you see here is the jumper.

Now the starter is ready to be bolted in place to the adaptor plate.

The bellhousing/mid-plate assembly is now ready to be fitted up in the chassis. Obviously, the engine cannot be in the car at this point.

Next, you can install the flywheel and the drive hub on the end of the crank. Sharp-eyed readers will notice there is no cam in this block. As this story was shot, the engine Hargett plans to race for the '09 season was not yet completed. This incomplete engine was used as a mock-up.

Bolt up the transmission before dropping in the engine. With the transmission in place, make sure there is between 0.100 and 0.040 clearance between the starter and ring gear when the starter is disengaged. If not, Quarter Master has shim kits available. Also, the backlash on the starter should be approximately 0.025 inch.

The last step before dropping in the engine is to place the oil pump drive belt over the transmission input shaft. This is why the transmission needs to be hooked up before the engine.

Now you're finally ready for your race engine.

As you can see here, the bolts securing the engine to the mid-plate go through the bellhousing, too.

Finally, bolt up your oil pump. Make sure to check that the drive pulley and the oil pump pulley are in line with each other and hook up the oil pump belt. Now, you're ready to move on to the next task on your to-do list.