Mating engine to new drivetrain

[rcx106]

Whats the technique for mating an engine to a transmission that wasn't made to be mated? I've seen bellhouses for common engine swaps, but what if I wanted to fit an uncommon engine that no one has done before?

I imagine a custom clutch which accepts the new gearbox spline. How would a custom bellhousing be made?

[rcx106]

Great advice. With the adaptor plate, it will change the distance between the engine and gearbox. Griff says he ground down the original bellhousing, unless of course the new setup requires a greater distance between the engine and gearbox.

What it's for is I'm planning a custom 4x4 trials and challenge vehicle, space frame based buggy. I want to do things a bit unconventionally though, and go for a sporty engine like they do in the US rather than heavy diesels like we use in the UK for challenge vehicles. I haven't selected the parts yet. Engine might be Duratec 2.0l, or Type-R or F4R. Not certain yet, still checking costs and stats. Transmission may be Hilux. Again not certain yet, but I think a Hilux should handle the 200-300bhp power, has wide gear ratio selection of mods, low cost, and I hear it's good equipment. Correct me if I'm wrong. I've done loads of 4x4 mods but this is my first custom build and got lots of gaps in my knowledge.