383 bellhousing

[Jim R.]

I have a 383 bellhousing i found in my extra parts today and was wondering what this was used on

[Joe L.]

Re: 383 bellhousing

I have a 383 bellhousing i found in my extra parts today and was wondering what this was used on

Jim-----


The '383' bellhousing is designed for use with 12-3/4" flywheel applications. Some of these were used on Corvettes, mostly in the 64-65 period but, possibly, later, as well. They were also used on any other Chevrolet application utilizing a 12-3/4" flywheel, mostly in the 64-65 period.

The '383' is pretty much the same as the '403' bellhousing except for upper bosses for clutch cross-bar anchor point. I believe this was used for Chevy II applications, but it may have also been applicable to other models. I have seen '383' bellhousings with no upper bosses and some with a boss only on the upper, driver side.

The '403' bellhousings always have a boss on the upper, driver side and most also have a boss on the upper passenger side. Often times, only the one on the driver side is drilled and tapped. Sometimes, both are drilled and tapped.

As far as Corvettes are concerned, either the '383' or '403' are 100% interchangeable for any application using a 12-3/4" flywheel (except 1963).

So, what is the boss configuration of the '383' you have?

[Jim R.]

Re: 383 bellhousing

Thanks joe I will take a look at it again next week . i'm on the road now.

[Wayne M.]

Re: 383 bellhousing

Thanks joe I will take a look at it again next week . i'm on the road now.

Jim, Joe -- in the meantime here's the '383' on my early '65 L76 (no boss below top bolt, same on either side). And the '403' on my late L78 (boss with what looks like a sleeve, untapped, same on both sides).

[Jim R.]

Re: 383 bellhousing

Nice photo's thanks.

[Lynn H.]

Re: 383 bellhousing

I believe there are actually two different "383" Chevrolet bellhousings. One which I believe was used for the early Chevy II and Nova with the casting number 3788383, and one that was possibly used in some Corvette applications and for sure with the Camaro and Chevelle that has the casting number 3840383.
Lynn

[Joe L.]

Re: 383 bellhousing

I believe there are actually two different "383" Chevrolet bellhousings. One which I believe was used for the early Chevy II and Nova with the casting number 3788383, and one that was possibly used in some Corvette applications and for sure with the Camaro and Chevelle that has the casting number 3840383.
Lynn

Lynn------


Yes, there was. It was GM PART #3788381 with the 3788383 casting number. This bellhousing was used for 1962-63 Chevy II applications. However, there's no mistaking it for the 3840383 used on some Corvettes. The 3788383 has a clutch fork opening at about the 7:30 o'clock position whereas the 3840383 (and all 63-81 Corvette bellhousings) have it at the 9:00 o'clock position. Also, the 3788383 has a boss at about the 5:00 o'clock position, presumably for a right hand side clutch fork opening for right hand drive vehicles.

There was also another very similar bellhousing used for 64-67 Chevy II. This was GM PART #3849307 and casting #3849309. The primary difference between these bellhousings was that the 3788383 had a 4-1/4" transmission bearing retainer orifice, whereas the 3849309 had a 4-5/8" orifice.

[Jim R.]

Re: 383 bellhousing

Good info lynn, the one i have is the 3840383.