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The trans has to come out first from under the car. The bell housing supports the rear of the engine so removing it while in the car would be pretty hard. If you’re having the engine rebuilt you might as well pull everything. Once it’s out removing the bell housing will be much easier.

On the topic of old spark plugs, old being the key word as opposed to worn out spark plugs, I offer a plug that hasn't been made since 1965. I became aware of these via a friend of my Dad's, EJ Brown who was one of Briggs Cunningham's mechanics. Back in the 1950s EJ thought these were the secret weapon. My Dad put a set in our 49 Mercury and he ran the wheels off that thing. My experience with them was with my Quarter Midget when I was a kid. It normally had a Champion plug and it was hard to start with so so power. You put the Jet Ignition plug in and Hang On! I maybe biased but I was impressed! It's a "pre-chamber" type plug in that it has a chamber in its tip like the pre-chamber of some diesel engines. One thing that bothered me was the numerous types that were made. It seemed like every engine had its own part number and design. With so many types it's no wonder the company finally closed down. The inventory must have been massive. Unlike regular spark plugs which have very minor differences the pre-chamber plugs had those plus the tip designs for each engine. There is a company in the UK which makes a pre-chamber unit for a regular plug that is supposed to preform the same. But they only make 14mm 3/4 inch long units and they are pricey. I've chatted with several "Spark Plug Collectors" and nobody ever heard of them. So... For your entertainment I offer this photo of some I have gathered.

@wagoneer $3000 is pretty steep for me and he doesnt ship. I'd preferably want to find something more local and not so expensive. But thanks for the link.

I’m glad I asked the question then Bob. Kus it helped more than just me. I didn’t wanna get it either but I said have and not need, then need and not have. So I bought it. Cheap insurance if you will

I have the kit and heat plate and after this thread, don't plan to use it. I am also in California with the coldest temps in the high 20s which usually doesn't correspond with my outings.

Currently 5:1 ratio, all run insured and licensed. Why? Because I have convinced myself they are cheaper than drugs and/or booze.

Dot 5 will not cause rubber to deteriorate. Dot 5 is silcone brake fluid and does not draw water into the brake system and line, also dot 5 will not eat your paint like the Dot3,4 and 5.1 fluids. Yes the rubber boot on the MC may have dried out because of non use or heat and just because of age. If you have left the car i storage from 1980 then I would suggest that you go over the car and check the braking system, antifreese properties, carburation and the entire car. So basically your car has not been driven for over 40+ years. The gas tank may be clogged, the brakes might even be stuck, all kinds of potential issues. The hoses would need to be replaced so you are basically starting a new restoration on the car. Rich Hartung desoto1939@aol.com