Bellhousings
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===Overview=== | ===Overview=== | ||
| − | As everyone probably already knows, the bellhousing (or bell housing) is the mechanical connection between the engine and transmission, and also serves to protect the clutch, flywheel, throw out bearing and other related parts. | + | As everyone probably already knows, the bellhousing (or bell housing) is the mechanical/structural connection between the engine and transmission, and also serves to protect the clutch, flywheel, throw out bearing and other related parts in manual transmission applications, or to protect the torque converter in an automatic transmission application. |
| − | The bellhousing may or may not be an integral part of the transmission. In some cases like the early Hemi and the Ford flathead V8, the bellhousing was cast as part of the engine block.[[File:1938-'48_59A_FORD_BLOCK_BELLHOUSING_DETAIL.jpg|thumb|left|200px|1938-’48 Ford 59A]] | + | The bellhousing may or may not be an integral part of the transmission. In some cases like the early Hemi and the Ford flathead V8, the bellhousing was cast as part of the engine block.[[File:1938-'48_59A_FORD_BLOCK_BELLHOUSING_DETAIL.jpg|thumb|left|200px|1938-’48 Ford 59A]][[File:331 CID 1951 HEMI BELLHOUSING DETAIL.jpg|200px|thumb|left|331 cid 1951 Hemi bellhousing detail]][[File:WILCAP ADAPTOR EARLY HEMI TO TH350.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Wilcap adaptor on early Hemi for using TH350 transmission]] |
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| − | Early on, the bellhousing was almost always made of cast iron due to the ease of manufacturing, strength and low cost. Later, aluminum came into use more and more until now where they are almost exclusively made of aluminum alloy for the weight savings. | + | Early on, the bellhousing was almost always made of cast iron due to the ease of manufacturing, strength and low cost. Later, aluminum came into use more and more until now where they are almost exclusively made of aluminum alloy for the weight savings. Aftermarket bellhousings may be made of cast aluminum or steel. |
| − | In certain racing classes, a sanctioning body may require a “scatter shield” be used on both manual and automatic transmissions. This can be a specially made bellhousing or an added-on ballistic blanket-type affair. The point of it is to contain the shrapnel in the case of a catastrophic failure. It’s not unheard of for a failed flywheel to saw its way into the driver’s compartment, or to have pieces penetrate the floorboards, and this can even endanger spectators. Such a failure happened to Don Garlits and this accident- while almost costing him a foot- was the impetus for him designing the first truly successful rear engine Top Fuel dragster. | + | In certain racing classes, a sanctioning body may require a “scatter shield” be used on both manual and automatic transmissions. This can be a specially made bellhousing or an added-on ballistic blanket-type affair. The point of it is to contain the shrapnel in the case of a catastrophic failure. It’s not unheard of for a failed flywheel to saw its way into the driver’s compartment, or to have pieces penetrate the floorboards, and this can even endanger spectators. Such a failure happened to Don Garlits and this accident- while almost costing him a foot- was the impetus for him designing the first truly successful rear engine Top Fuel dragster. Racing bellhousings that meet [http://www.sfifoundation.com/ SFI] 6.1 certification are able to contain a 13 inch (33 cm) diameter, 30 pound (13.6 kg) flywheel made of steel, cast iron or comparable material, that explodes between 8,000 and 9,000 RPM. Any material can be used to make such a bellhousing as long as it can pass the test. |
| − | Ever since there were hotrods being made, there have been transmissions from one make mated to engines of a different make. To that end, custom bellhousings and/or adaptor plates are used to join them together. This continues to this day. | + | Ever since there were hotrods being made, there have been transmissions from one make mated to engines of a different make. To that end, custom bellhousings, engine plates and/or adaptor plates are used to join them together. This continues to this day. |
===Automatic transmission bellhousings=== | ===Automatic transmission bellhousings=== | ||
| − | Many automatic transmission bellhousings are an integral part of the transmission case, and as such, are not removable. However, in some cases the bellhousing is replaced by machining the case to remove the old bellhousing and | + | Many automatic transmission bellhousings are an integral part of the transmission case, and as such, are not removable. However, in some cases the bellhousing is replaced by machining the case to remove the old bellhousing and a specially made bellhousing is attached to the case by the front pump bolts. |
There are OEM designs used by Ford (as far back as the early ‘50’s) and GM (some 4L60E) that use removable bellhousings. GM also used “uni-case” bellhousing bolt patterns on some of their transmissions, allowing them to be used across a wide line of GM engines. | There are OEM designs used by Ford (as far back as the early ‘50’s) and GM (some 4L60E) that use removable bellhousings. GM also used “uni-case” bellhousing bolt patterns on some of their transmissions, allowing them to be used across a wide line of GM engines. | ||
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The bellhousing has to be aligned correctly to the crankshaft centerline. This will allow less wear and a smoother drivetrain. Offset dowels are available to correct this alignment if it’s found to be off. More on this page by [http://www.hurst-drivelines.com/wp-contehud/uploads/GM-Dial-Indicating-RobbMC-instructions-Revised-6-15-09A.pdf Hurst]. | The bellhousing has to be aligned correctly to the crankshaft centerline. This will allow less wear and a smoother drivetrain. Offset dowels are available to correct this alignment if it’s found to be off. More on this page by [http://www.hurst-drivelines.com/wp-contehud/uploads/GM-Dial-Indicating-RobbMC-instructions-Revised-6-15-09A.pdf Hurst]. | ||
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