61 corvette bell housing options
The bell housing 3779553 installed is busted . Is there an option for this bell. I have the cast iron version 3779552 but no mount holes for the clutch z bar ball. This is just a driver. Ed
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Re: 61 corvette bell housing options
Ed-------
The 3779553 bellhousing is an aluminum sand casting. It can be repaired by a competent welder.
Otherwise, I believe the cast iron GM casting number 3704922 and 3733365 will work. They both have the clutch cross shaft mounting point. Caution, however, when purchasing either of these two bellhousings. I believe that some are drilled and tapped for a different style clutch fork ball stud than used for Corvette.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: 61 corvette bell housing options
Ed, what exactly is broken on yours. I too would try to get it repaired since it's aluminum. That 3779552 cannot be used, unless maybe for a Powerglide. I think it has provisions for motor mounts too.
Just a FYI with some links to more info....
Tracy's great bellhousing info link......
3733365 Info....
3704922 Info....
RichComment
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Re: 61 corvette bell housing options
The entire right side of bell has been cut off so that a starter could be mounted to the block. there is no piece to weld back on. If I use the 552 bell which I have I would have to make a bracket for the Z bar ball mount otherwise it should work. EdComment
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Re: 61 corvette bell housing options
Ed, as long as you make a good sturdy mount it may be okay, but I'd opt for a correct one myself. I wouldn't want to loose my clutch in a important maneuver while driving.
RichComment
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Re: 61 corvette bell housing options
I ordered the 3704922 from the link provided from Richard. Thanks for the help. EdComment
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Re: 61 corvette bell housing options
Well all looked good till I went to check the starter mount. The starter top bolt is threaded on the 922 bell housing. The 553 and the 552 are just a hole and the starter is threaded for a long bolt. Not enough metal on bell to grind out for head. EdComment
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Re: 61 corvette bell housing options
Ed------
Well, that's a difference I was not aware of. However, I think you would have a couple of options. The first would be to use a 56 starter nose. The second would be to return the 022 bellhousing and get a 3733365. The 3733365 and your original 3779553 used exactly the same configuration starters so I don't think there could be any difference in starter mounting.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 61 corvette bell housing options
Well here is the third option. I installed a stud in the bell housing and drilled out the threads on the starter. I can reverse this if I ever want to by installing a heli coil back into the starter or change the head. This vette is so far from original it does not really matter. I have run into another issue with the pilot bushing. The crank shaft must be for an automatic pilot bushing od is 1.060. I see dorman makes a replacement bushing for auto to manual conversion but this pilot bushing has 60 percent iron in bushing. I may have to have one turned down to fit. Oh yea the last guy to install the pilot removed the old one with a chisel and must have used an impact to drive the new oversized pilot in. What a mess. They actualy bent the bushing. EdComment
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