Replacement Bellhousing
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 281
Likes: 9
From: New England
Replacement Bellhousing
Has anybody replaced a 3899621 bellhousing with a replacement bellhousing ? I have an L-48 that I beleive has a 10.4 dia clutch, the 3899621 will fit an 11 dia clutch. Can I replace it with a bellhousing for a 10.4 dia clutch? Any problems bolting or fitting up?
Last edited by dariopop; Jan 3, 2006 at 02:31 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,438
Likes: 1,464
From: Little Rock AR
You will need to match the clutch to the bellhousing in most cases.
The "621" bellhousing will require a large flywheel. 95% of the time this means 11" clutch and a starter with a brace to match. You could locate an early 60"s large flywheel with a small clutch bolt pattern but those are not real common. Aftermarket can suply them if you desire (but why?)
If you want to switch to a small bellhousing, you will need to get a smaller flywheel and a 10.5" clutch and a matching starter and starter brace.
You can not use a large bellhousing with a small flywheel.
The starter will not bolt up because the nose has to fit in the bellhousing and then it will be too far away from the small flywheel.
Hope this helps,
-Mark.
The "621" bellhousing will require a large flywheel. 95% of the time this means 11" clutch and a starter with a brace to match. You could locate an early 60"s large flywheel with a small clutch bolt pattern but those are not real common. Aftermarket can suply them if you desire (but why?)
If you want to switch to a small bellhousing, you will need to get a smaller flywheel and a 10.5" clutch and a matching starter and starter brace.
You can not use a large bellhousing with a small flywheel.
The starter will not bolt up because the nose has to fit in the bellhousing and then it will be too far away from the small flywheel.Hope this helps,
-Mark.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
One thing to consider when replacing your bellhousing is to use your original clutch pivot ball. I had to replace a cracked bellhousing on my 77 L48. I got a used one of the same casting number. The engine builder who sold it to me told me to use my original clutch pivot ball. If you use the wrong pivot ball it may be a different length, so your clutch may not engage/disengage properly. 
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Originally Posted by stingr69
You will need to match the clutch to the bellhousing in most cases.
The "621" bellhousing will require a large flywheel. 95% of the time this means 11" clutch and a starter with a brace to match. You could locate an early 60"s large flywheel with a small clutch bolt pattern but those are not real common. Aftermarket can suply them if you desire (but why?)
If you want to switch to a small bellhousing, you will need to get a smaller flywheel and a 10.5" clutch and a matching starter and starter brace.
You can not use a large bellhousing with a small flywheel. The starter will not bolt up because the nose has to fit in the bellhousing and then it will be too far away from the small flywheel.
Hope this helps,
-Mark.
The "621" bellhousing will require a large flywheel. 95% of the time this means 11" clutch and a starter with a brace to match. You could locate an early 60"s large flywheel with a small clutch bolt pattern but those are not real common. Aftermarket can suply them if you desire (but why?)
If you want to switch to a small bellhousing, you will need to get a smaller flywheel and a 10.5" clutch and a matching starter and starter brace.
You can not use a large bellhousing with a small flywheel.
The starter will not bolt up because the nose has to fit in the bellhousing and then it will be too far away from the small flywheel.Hope this helps,
-Mark.
Please correct me if I am wrong, doesnt G.M. offer different noses for the starters that bolt up and change the position of the drive close enough to the flywheel ring gear, I think we used to do this kind of deal when we were broke kids,,,now we are broke adults,,,HAH Peace,,,Moosie
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,438
Likes: 1,464
From: Little Rock AR
Originally Posted by moosie982
Please correct me if I am wrong, doesnt G.M. offer different noses for the starters that bolt up and change the position of the drive close enough to the flywheel ring gear, I think we used to do this kind of deal when we were broke kids,,,now we are broke adults,,,HAH Peace,,,Moosie
You might want to keep the rest of the parts for a spare rather than return for the core charge. -Mark.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Originally Posted by stingr69
Yes you can just switch the nose cone. Now, how do you get a good deal on a nose cone? I just purchase a Pep Boys cheapie rebuilt starter. You might want to keep the rest of the parts for a spare rather than return for the core charge.
-Mark.
You might want to keep the rest of the parts for a spare rather than return for the core charge. -Mark.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,438
Likes: 1,464
From: Little Rock AR
[QUOTE=shafrs3]
What brace? I recently did a auto to manual conversion and wasn't aware of any required braces.
The starter has a brace that attaches on that studbolt that sticks out of the end of the starter. The other end of the brace attaches to the side of the engine block. Bubba usualy tosses them in the trash and wonders why he keeps breaking nose cones. You might want to add one if you do not have one now. 
-Mark.
Originally Posted by a starter with a brace to match. [/QUOTE
What brace? I recently did a auto to manual conversion and wasn't aware of any required braces.
-Mark.
