Repower Bellhousing

[oglyoodoo]

Having carefully dialled in the Repower Bellhousing for my SBC, thanks GrahamF for the help, I am a bit concerned about the thread, running at the moment, on ground clearance. The bottom of the Bellhousing is around an inch lower than the lowest part of the oilpan. The flywheel is about 6.5" in radius whereas the bottom of the Bellhousing is some 8.0" below the centre of the flywheel. As the Bellhousing would appear to be the lowest part it would seem to make sense to remove part of it, maybe around an inch, before fitting the engine. I don't want to leave a gaping hole and would rather get an alloy plate welded into the housing. Is this likely to significantly distort the bellhousing?
Not being a welder, apart from bolting the Bellhousing to something substantial and maybe leaving the outer rim intact until welding is complete, has any one got any advice I could pass on to a local welder to minimise the risk of distortion?
Thanks

Denis

[Simon R]

Originally Posted by oglyoodoo

Having carefully dialled in the Repower Bellhousing for my SBC, thanks GrahamF for the help, I am a bit concerned about the thread, running at the moment, on ground clearance. The bottom of the Bellhousing is around an inch lower than the lowest part of the oilpan. The flywheel is about 6.5" in radius whereas the bottom of the Bellhousing is some 8.0" below the centre of the flywheel. As the Bellhousing would appear to be the lowest part it would seem to make sense to remove part of it, maybe around an inch, before fitting the engine. I don't want to leave a gaping hole and would rather get an alloy plate welded into the housing. Is this likely to significantly distort the bellhousing?
Not being a welder, apart from bolting the Bellhousing to something substantial and maybe leaving the outer rim intact until welding is complete, has any one got any advice I could pass on to a local welder to minimise the risk of distortion?
Thanks

Denis

Denis,

Dont worry - the exhausts will end up lower than the bellhousing!!!
383SBC with Repower Bellhousing
Note that the ride height isn't set in the photo.

Cheers,

Simon.

[sumoboy]

Hi Denis,

If you can wait until the end of this week, I am having my repower bellhousing cut and a sump guard fabricated and fitted.

I will post the results and photos this weekend.

Dave.F.

[craggle]

Have thought of doing this myself as the bellhousing is the lowest part of my car.

I was thinking of just removing a section and making a bolt on cover.

Craig.

[Clarkson]

My sump is lower than my repower bellhousing.

Repower bellhousings are made for the larger 167tooth flywheel,you could try fitting a smaller bellhousing.

[southenddave]

How did you get a bellhousing? I have been waiting nine weeks for mine

[Clarkson]

Originally Posted by southenddave

How did you get a bellhousing? I have been waiting nine weeks for mine

Dave about 2 years ago when I fitted my Tremic conversion I waited about 3 months for my bell housing!

[southenddave]

I don't mind the wait so much but when you are told two weeks, I think nine is pushing it a bit. Supposed to be taking the car in for sidepipes on Friday with Gwak as I am off to China for three weeks. Looks like Le Mans in the Focus then! Imagine all the extra stuff I can pack, I might even sleep in the car if the weather is shite

PS. A little tribute for you below!

[oglyoodoo]

Thanks to all for the replies.
I've had the bellhousing a while....
Even with the Exhaust being so low it's still a fairly immoveable lump hanging down unecessarily which could get caught on something. OK the Exhaust will probably get caught and may get pulled off or damaged it just seems a bit less serious than a damn good clout to the bit that joins engine and box which is initially adjusted to within a few thou.
I'm still a bit undecided about cutting a bit off and getting a plate welded in. My original question was really about what precautions need to be taken when welding to minimise any distortion. If the risk of distortion is high then I'll leave well alone.

Thanks

Denis

[Kelvincob]

Hi Denis,

Is there some way of making up a skid plate of some sorts rather than chopping the bell, I don't think I would go down that road of chopping the bell.

See you on Sunday .

Kelvin