Bell housing

[kauri]

Hi Guys

I'm a newcomer to the forum so bear with me. I tried to place this earlier but I guess I must have pushed the wrong buttons and it got lost in the ether.

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my AK 427 chassis and body kit due sometime in August.

I have obtained a Jaguar Getrag gearbox and small block Chevy 350. The engine came from an old ambulance with auto transmission which I am given to understand has a four bolt block, as yet unchecked, which was manufactured around 1985.

I will need to acquire a manual flywheel and starter motor. Any advice as to what size flywhell to use, starter motor etc and what clutch/clutch plate will mate to the Getrag would be much appreciated. can existing bell housings be adapted and if not where can I get a suitable housing?

[RigMan]

Hehehehehehe....I like a 1 Wankel}> }> }> }>

So OK, Chevy engines changing to Manaual. The main problem will be that your bottom end has been set up for a flex plate. Just putting on a flywheel may not be the answer. The engine needs to be ballanced for the extra weight, so a manual will require a slightly different harmonic ballancer at the front end. You may need to therefore change this item to suit. Also, if you plan on any performance from you engine, all the internal rotating parts should be ballanced properly. Flywheels and clutch pressure plates can be particularly unballanced and it may be ideal to have this done by a specialist engineering shop.

I think that your auto bellhousing will need a fair bit of modification if you are to use it for manual application. Firstly, there will be no hole in it for the clutch arm, and secondly they are usually a different dimension in order to take the stall converter. This may also mean that the spacing is wrong for the gear box to fit, which itself will need an adapter plate. It is also worth bearing in mind that whatever belhousing you end up using, it ought to be 'dialed in', and this is a whole seperate subject on it's own. Details of this can be found else where on this site.

Also, a small item, the end of the crank shaft will need a spigot bearing installed to locate the nose of the gear box inputshaft to stop it wobbeling about. Don't forget that!!!

There are quite a few types of flywheel out there, aluminium, lightened steel, 153 168 teeth flywheels (or something like that)etc. The best bet is to pick the clutch (11" or 10½") that you want and get the fly wheel to suit.

These are a few of the pointers to put you on the right road, I don't pretend to know all the answers, just some of the pit falls! Best of luck, and let us know how you get on!


RigMan:7

[graham]

Hi

I too have 350 small block(1976) two piece rear bearing cap seal,( I take it you have the same). I have a Borg Warner T5 I am not sure about Getrag fitment no doubt somebody else can help.
Regarding clutch mine is the bigger 11" clutch assembly (standard) from real steel along with a 168tooth flywheel and staggared starter all works fine for me (dont forget new spigot bearing) The tricky bit was the bell housing. I opted for the GM alluminium standard casting no.3899621 (could be others)
There is a 10.5" clutch that can work with I believe a 153t flywheel and appropriate starter, you can of course then get better performance clutches for this set up, the bell will be 3899621 casting or alike. The man who helped with bellhousings was corvette kingdom on 01692 536750.(Ray)
You need to be sure of compatability of getrag boltholes shaft types/lengths first. Someone else is bound to help here. There is also a steel bell available that can be drilled accordingly.Hope any of this helps.

Regards

Graham

[paul]

Hi there I also run a 350 chevy but with a T5 box ref your flywheel/starer/clutch have a chat with Real Steel at Uxbridge or get hold of their catalogue it has everything you need in there
cheers
Paul

[cobraman]

Kauri.....If you had a small block Ford,I could help you..(see "Parts For Sale" on my web site www.cobraman.tv ),but I dont have the dimensions for Chevy.
I can tell you this...IT IS NOT STRAIGHTFORWARD!..Find yourself a Muncie!..or T-5...You'll save yourself a breakdown!!(Mental not mechanical!)....DJ

[graham]

I have a flywheel (168t) and 11" clutch cover and disc (all used) available if you want them. g.markland@talk21.com.

Graham

[Jesus]

You can check www.giloeng.com they have all the parts you could need for adapt your engine to the gearbox.

I know they are in South Africa, but as far as I know the price is fair and if you take a little care with the transportation this point will be not a big deal.

Check it and good luck.

Jesus.
Granada, Spain.

[kauri]

Thanks every body. All the information has been most useful. I will keep you posted of the progress in the coming months. John

>Thanks every body. All the information has been most useful. I will
>keep you posted of the progress in the coming months. John

JOHN, WITH A I.D. OF "KAURI" YOU MUST BE FROM NZ???? JIM

[kauri]

Hi Jim

Didn't think it would be long before someone made that connection.

I was working out in Auckland back in 93 and have some very happy memories - it's a great place. John