Bellhousings
(→Bellhousing to transmission bore size) |
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
| − | As everyone probably already knows, the | + | As everyone probably already knows, the 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. |
==Applications== | ==Applications== | ||
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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. | 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, engine plates and/or | + | 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 adapter plates are used to join them together. This continues to this day. <br style="clear:both"/> |
====Adaptors==== | ====Adaptors==== | ||
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