We love period-look builds, but when you’re building something that is 50 years old (or older) sometimes it is best to consider purchasing something new rather than buying an old used part that has seen a million miles, stripped bolt holes, or other damage that might make the part unsafe for use on your project. One such critical area is the manual transmission bellhousing. This part often sees a tough life and some serious wear. Transmission swaps/rebuilds, installing new clutches, and more mean the bellhousing sees a lot of on/off time over the years. This can equate to broken ears, stripped threads, worn clearances that affect transmission/engine alignment, and so much more. This is the very reason why we designed this replacement steel bellhousing for you Chevy enthusiasts running small or big block engines backed by a manual transmission.
When we designed this steel bellhousing, we wanted it to directly replace the original cast piece with a precision part. To that end we started with laser-cut a36 3/8-inch thick steel to make the CNC-finished engine block flange for a perfect fit to your small or big block Gen 1 Chevy engine. Using precise fixture welding the 7-gauge steel bell is welded to the engine block flange along with the transmission mount flange (also laser-cut CNC-finished from 1/2-inch thick a36 steel) to make a strong, long lasting part. This bellhousing is designed for hydraulic throwout bearing use, such as our PN , and we have provided a 1-inch hole at the top and driver’s side for hydraulic feed and bleeder line routing. At the bottom is a 6.3-inch opening with a bolt-on cover to allow quick clutch and throwout bearing inspections. The bellhousing is protected from the elements with a black zinc plated coating.
We designed this new bellhousing to fit all Gen 1 small and big block Chevy engines. You must use a 153-tooth (or smaller) flywheel with this application. You can mount a traditional GM Muncie/Saginaw four-speed, an early GM non-World Class T-5 five-speed, or a “GM spec” Tremec TKO-500 or 600 five-speed manual transmission. So if you’re starting with a used four-speed and wish to upgrade to a modern five-speed manual with overdrive later you won’t need to buy a different bellhousing (just a different clutch disc depending upon the input shaft spline count). As mentioned above, the bellhousing is configured for a hydraulic throwout bearing installation, but if you really want to use a mechanical or cable-based clutch setup we have provided the ability to install a traditional ball stud pivot for a clutch fork. You will however have to measure and cut the clutch fork opening into the bellhousing yourself. As this bellhousing is designed for street use, it is not SFI rated. We highly recommend an SFI certified bellhousing for any motorsports use.
There’s nothing cooler than a muscle car or street rod with three pedals, and we’re making the installation easier all the time with parts like our steel bellhousing, Speedway Motors’ hydraulic throwout bearing kits, and everything else you need to mate your transmission to your engine and keep your project moving forward. So, whether it is a classic four-speed or a modern five-speed you are installing behind that domestic V-8 engine, we have the parts you need!
This bellhousing is not S.F.I. certified which is required by many sanctioning bodies for cars running 11.49 or faster in the quarter-mile.
Must be used with a 153 tooth or smaller flywheel
Provision for a clutch fork would need to be cut by end-user
Summary: It is more compact than a stock bellhousing which gives me more room in the transmission tunnel.
Yes, I recommend this product.
Summary: It fit well, but I did have to clearance the bolt holes slightly to get it on. I was using with a midplate, and the dowel holes needed a light clearancing as well.
Yes, I recommend this product.
Summary: It works - does what it is supposed to do. Looks good, and is a nice option for racers without spending 600$+.
Yes, I recommend this product.
Summary: Very nice piece, at a decent price! Had to modify the hole in the side of it to run the hydraulic hoses for a quarter master throw out bearing. Hole was about a half inch too high. Otherwise this would be a 5 star
Summary: I'm using the bellhousing in a new project. It's slim design should help with clearance for my feet.
Cons: Nothing to say about it
Pros: Fit and finish are fine
Yes, I recommend this product.