Bellhousings
From Crankshaft Coalition Wiki
(→Applications) |
(→Applications) |
||
| Line 4: | Line 4: | ||
==Applications== | ==Applications== | ||
| − | The bell housing 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 | + | The bell housing 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 bell housing detail]] |
| − | 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 | + | 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 bell housings 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 | + | 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 bell housing 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 bell housings 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 | + | 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 bell housings, engine plates and/or adapter plates are used to join them together. This continues to this day. <br style="clear:both"/> |
====Adaptors==== | ====Adaptors==== | ||
Your Privacy Choices