I am committed to installing my BBC in my 56 using original V8 bellhousing and newer stick shift, and as I began to mock up the assembly (all reports are that I will need to dent the firewall and I want to figure out exactly where - I am using a foam mock block for the mockup) -
I went to bolt the rear mounts to the bellhousing, and one of the bolts pulled right through when I tightened it. Then I noticed ALL the threaded holes in the bellhousing were loose fit to the correct size (3/8" NC) bolts, so I would have major problems tightening all 4 bolts. THEN I tried the 7/16" bolts where the transmission would bolt up and THEY were all too loose also. [insert string of cuss word here] I guess they corroded from sitting all those years in some guys back yard (I bought the bellhousing on evilbay).
So what should I do?
I could helicoil all the holes, if there is enough meat in the casting. Would that make it strong enough to hold the torque? (I had helicoiled some places on the race car but I no longer remember which parts - head bolts? or what?)
Or should I just search for a better bellhousing?
Do any of you guys have a spare (55, 56 or 57 V8 manual tranny) that is in good condition, especially the threaded holes, that I could buy?
Help!
Thanks, Dave
-- Edited by davelacourse on Wednesday 28th of July 2010 08:04:42 AM
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1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod
Helicoil will work in the bellhousing. Dave in new Port Richey there is a guy who was always advertizing Chevy parts from 55-64 in the St. Petersburg Times. The phone number I have for him is 727 376 2625 . He sounds like the type of guy who will know where to find a beelhousing for you if he does not have one.When talking to him ask him if he sold the 4:88 posi pumpkin yet.
Steve, I think your design is different than the 55-57's - anyhow, I did helicoil the rear motor mount bolt threaded holes - should be fine now.
Silly me, I test fitted 7/16"-14 bolts for the tranny and of course they require 1/2"=14 which, once I realized that and tried them, they fit fine so no problem thre.
Al, thanks for the information about the guy in New Port Richey, which is (as you know) pretty close to where your Florida place is in Largo - but an easy mailing or UPS for me. I will keep him in mind if I need other stuff.
Thanks, Dave
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1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod