My question is I am looking for a bell housing for my 60 vette and in the Noland Adams book on page 208 it states in 1960 was the first year that bellhousing were aluminum. Now I have a early production 1960 with s/n 00867s102215 my engine parts are dated late december run do I need to look for aluminum or cast iron? If so does anyone have a casting number and date number to look for?
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Re: Bellhousing
Not being too heavily into the matching numbers routine, I'm probably not an authoritative source, but given that, I believe 61 MY was the first with alumunum bellhousings. These cars were, of course, first produced in 1960.Does Noland say the switch was in MY 60 or CALENDAR YEAR 60? The switch to aluminum case transmissions occured sometime in MY 61, but no one seems to be sure just when. My early production 61 has both cast iron transmission and bellhousing, but I'm not sure either is original to the car. If I had to bet I'd bet they were not. The cast iron bellhousing is probably a bit more rigid than the aluminum one, and given the distance between the front motor mount and the transmission mount, I'm not sure it isn't preferable. (discounting absolute correctness of course) -
Re: Bellhousing
According to the Judging Guide the 60s used an aluminum bellhousing, casting #3764591. I believe it was a one year only bellhousing. BTW, the bellhousing isn't judged. // MikeComment
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Yes and no....
'60 bellhousing IS one of a kind aluminum piece. It was used on Corvette and Chevy 409 bearing casting number 3764591. Casting number is hidden in recess that's blocked to view by the attached transmission and Judging Guide makes reference to the casting number not being judged (because you can't see it).
But, don't kid yourself, the bellhousing WILL be judged and it's unique appearance/material is striking. The part is rather rare and it's bid up by two concours segments (Corvette and 409 owners) who are equally well heeled and serious about their restoration preservation efforts. Be prepared to fork out $250-500 depending on condition of the part when you find it and don't let grass grow under your feet while you do comparison shopping on price....Comment
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