Bellhousing
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 3
From: Presently working under contract in Alabama
Bellhousing
I need to replace the bell-housing on my 1968. This was originally a 427, but now has a 454. It is a Muncie 4 speed.
The shop discovered a couple of cracks while taking the clutch out. I am replacing the clutch and will probably be going with a center force dual friction clutch. Looks like the flywheel has some hot spots as well.
I'm not doing this myself. I wish I had the knowledge and ability. I am ordering the parts myself and want to make sure I get the correct bell-housing. I wasn't sure if it matter that the engine is now a 1974 Chevy 454 built to 468.
Thanks guys
The shop discovered a couple of cracks while taking the clutch out. I am replacing the clutch and will probably be going with a center force dual friction clutch. Looks like the flywheel has some hot spots as well.
I'm not doing this myself. I wish I had the knowledge and ability. I am ordering the parts myself and want to make sure I get the correct bell-housing. I wasn't sure if it matter that the engine is now a 1974 Chevy 454 built to 468.
Thanks guys
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 3
From: Presently working under contract in Alabama
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,317
Likes: 111
From: St Louis MO
YMMV
Last edited by larrywalk; Sep 6, 2012 at 09:50 AM. Reason: punctuation
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 280
From: New York
One day I was sitting at a light and I heard a crack. I had no idea what it was.
The next day I found one of the small bolts that holds the pressure plate to the flywheel had come loose and at idle, cracked a hole through my bell-housing. Now imagine a one pound piece of flywheel at 6,000 RPM.
You may want to consider a scatter shield (two piece)
The next day I found one of the small bolts that holds the pressure plate to the flywheel had come loose and at idle, cracked a hole through my bell-housing. Now imagine a one pound piece of flywheel at 6,000 RPM.
You may want to consider a scatter shield (two piece)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Who's gonn'a see a weld scar on a bellhousing.
Just a simple bead/structural weld and sounds like fun to borrow/rent a 220V Lincoln stick welder. Gouge/grind out the crank on one side. Get some alum stick rod, set the Lincoln machine on AC current & setting for that rod and have some fun for cheap.
Much cheaper than new bellhousing.
BTW the small block bell housing bolts up too but like was said u need the correct starter bolt pattern. Plenty of those old muncie bellhousings out there used - heck i got at least one spare without trying/looking - check craiglist. Alot of transmission sellers will part out a bellhousing for pocket change.
Hope this helps,
cardo0
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 3
From: Presently working under contract in Alabama
Who's gonn'a see a weld scar on a bellhousing. Just a simple bead/structural weld and sounds like fun to borrow/rent a 220V Lincoln stick welder. Gouge/grind out the crank on one side. Get some alum stick rod, set the Lincoln machine on AC current & setting for that rod and have some fun for cheap. Much cheaper than new bellhousing.BTW the small block bell housing bolts up too but like was said u need the correct starter bolt pattern. Plenty of those old muncie bellhousings out there used - heck i got at least one spare without trying/looking - check craiglist. Alot of transmission sellers will part out a bellhousing for pocket change.
Hope this helps,
cardo0
Thanks Cardo0
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
468 BBC?,..I'd use this opportunity to upgrade to a scattershield. Yes, it's 2x the money, but in the end, it's very inexpensive insurance against loss of limb,..or worse, the loss of your passenger's limb(s).
FWIW
FWIW
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 3
From: Presently working under contract in Alabama
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: michigan
Lakewood bellhousing
Hi Stingray Jer, I am restoring a 68 L88 now. It came to me with an explosion-proof Lakewood bellhousing. I will gladly trade it for the correct bellhousing for my car. Mine was also Corvette bronze when born. I have a very early Vin. Car was built 2nd week of Sept, 1967. Ken
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 379
From: Woodinville WA
yes.... and a steel flywheel, billet if your wallet can afford it.
That's a 12 - 20 lb piece of steel that's turning towards your ankles - so if it lets go (and they do) without a shield it will take whatever is in the way off (ask Don Garlits)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJtJUVyEyYY
and to answer your question... all SBC and BBC have the same bolt pattern, and while there are odd-ball transmission mounting bolt patterns, the block pattern is the same.
That said, there are some bellhousings that won't fit over an 11" clutch - but they're even a bit hard to find anymore.
Last edited by SuperBuickGuy; Dec 6, 2012 at 01:31 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 3
From: Presently working under contract in Alabama
I went with the Quick Time SFI bell-housing.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/QTI-RM-6022
I also went with the a new Center Force Clutch and this Flywheel.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ctf-700140
Ken,
Thanks for the offer to trade.
I do not know if this is the original bell-housing. Would it be stamped with a number that I can verify. I had not noticed if it had the VIN on it or not.
I will be happy to check for you. I know it is NOM, but it is a BB 68. I am happy to check it out for you. It is cracked and will need a welding. I can get you photos if you need.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/QTI-RM-6022
I also went with the a new Center Force Clutch and this Flywheel.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ctf-700140
Ken,
Thanks for the offer to trade.
I do not know if this is the original bell-housing. Would it be stamped with a number that I can verify. I had not noticed if it had the VIN on it or not.
I will be happy to check for you. I know it is NOM, but it is a BB 68. I am happy to check it out for you. It is cracked and will need a welding. I can get you photos if you need.
