Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
I just realized that my manual trans bell housing is cut at the bottom like where the dust cover goes on a automatic trans! why is that? shouldnt that expose my clutch? u can see my trans in the pictures on my reverse hood thread here https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...ml#post4675110
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,522
Likes: 92
From: Aridzona
Car: `86 SS / `87 SS
Engine: L69 w/ TPI on top / 305 4bbl
Transmission: `95 T56 \ `88 200-4R
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
someone felt the need for an inspection window.
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Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
Or they didn't know to use the 153 tooth flywheel intead of the 168.
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 11
From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
The T5 needs the smaller flywheel to fit inside the bellhousing.
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,522
Likes: 92
From: Aridzona
Car: `86 SS / `87 SS
Engine: L69 w/ TPI on top / 305 4bbl
Transmission: `95 T56 \ `88 200-4R
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
its a 700r trans with a shift kit. i was thinking if something got in there it would be a big problem
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 11
From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,522
Likes: 92
From: Aridzona
Car: `86 SS / `87 SS
Engine: L69 w/ TPI on top / 305 4bbl
Transmission: `95 T56 \ `88 200-4R
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
the whole bottom half of the trans is cut off, looks like it was done with a jig saw cuz its not straight
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
Here are more pics, and the car didnt have a shift boot so i was wondering if the shifter is suppose to look like this too?








Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,522
Likes: 92
From: Aridzona
Car: `86 SS / `87 SS
Engine: L69 w/ TPI on top / 305 4bbl
Transmission: `95 T56 \ `88 200-4R
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
That looks kind of long as far as shifter handles go, but is fine.
It's aftermarket so what it's "supposed to look like" is subjective.
It's aftermarket so what it's "supposed to look like" is subjective.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 1
From: Port Orchard,WA
Car: 89 Camaro RS
Engine: 355 SD TPI
Transmission: WCT5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Posi
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
Damn I didn't notice the bellhousing lol that's crazy and if you had a center console in you wouldn't see that, the lower boot is to seal the opening from the trans that's all
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From: ms. gulf coast
Car: 91 R/S , 89 dodge p/u
Engine: L31 GM crate re-cammed , 318
Transmission: T-5 , 4 speed auto
Axle/Gears: 3.42 , ?
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
i have removed/swapped a few T-5 transmissions . your bellhousing has been cut up . why , i have no idea ? would i get another bellhousing , yes . also get the front cover plate . i am very puzzled why someone would cut it up like that . good luck with your project .
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
the shifter was long long even with the center consol in, i was wondering if my transmission has been modified since the shifter doesnt appear stock?
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 1
From: Port Orchard,WA
Car: 89 Camaro RS
Engine: 355 SD TPI
Transmission: WCT5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Posi
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
Could be a cheap ebay shifter or one out another car, who knows I doubt anything is modified in it, unless its got stronger internals but idk
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
doesn't feel cheap at all, very solid. anyway i could tell if it has been upgraded?
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,812
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From: 62656
Car: 1991 S10 pickup 2700lbs
Engine: 4.3L Z TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08 7.625"
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
wow that much missing from the bellhousing has to weaken it surely, hmmmmm ...
hmm wow....
the f body T 5 housings are clocked 17 degrees...
most other models(if any others at all) are not clocked and instead are level across...
some trannys have the mount clocked this 17 degrees to, to be used with clocked housing..
so watch out when shopping for another one...
i have a v-8 third gen f body one sitting here, for sale or for trade, from a 92 v-8 t-5 f body.. and it is clocked,,
have fun!
hmm wow....
the f body T 5 housings are clocked 17 degrees...
most other models(if any others at all) are not clocked and instead are level across...
some trannys have the mount clocked this 17 degrees to, to be used with clocked housing..
so watch out when shopping for another one...
i have a v-8 third gen f body one sitting here, for sale or for trade, from a 92 v-8 t-5 f body.. and it is clocked,,
have fun!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 1
From: Port Orchard,WA
Car: 89 Camaro RS
Engine: 355 SD TPI
Transmission: WCT5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Posi
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
Welll if someone hacked the bellhousing I doubt it, only way to tell would be to open the case up, it doesn't look like its been cracked open
As lon g as you get a v8 bellhousing from a camaro or firebird you'll be fine
As lon g as you get a v8 bellhousing from a camaro or firebird you'll be fine
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
no its an original 1990 iroc z with a manual transmission. i kno it came with a 305 but the previous owner had a high powered engine in it, he didnt go into detail on the size but it was nice, he kept it and gave me the rest of the car for $300. should i get a new bell housing or can i just make a fiberglass cover to cover the bottom up?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
Would it serve any purpose to get a new one though? Because I kno automatic trans are shaped like this and they have a shield to cover the torque converter and all the bolt holes are there so it should still be strong? What would the advantages of a new bellhousing be and what would be a disadvantage of just making a cover?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
another thing. i hear a t5 cant handle the torque of a 350, is that true?
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 1
From: Port Orchard,WA
Car: 89 Camaro RS
Engine: 355 SD TPI
Transmission: WCT5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Posi
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
Would it serve any purpose to get a new one though? Because I kno automatic trans are shaped like this and they have a shield to cover the torque converter and all the bolt holes are there so it should still be strong? What would the advantages of a new bellhousing be and what would be a disadvantage of just making a cover?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
Thanks that makes sence now. Maybe I need a whole new trans because I'm goin with a 350 and I was told they only put 305's on these cuz the 350 has too much torque. Would a 6 speed from a 4th gen be a good idea and what other transmissions would u suggest?
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,522
Likes: 92
From: Aridzona
Car: `86 SS / `87 SS
Engine: L69 w/ TPI on top / 305 4bbl
Transmission: `95 T56 \ `88 200-4R
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
If you want to beat on the car, yes a T56 is a better trans. than a T5 by far.
I like the Richmond 6 speed I've driven.
Driving the T5 until it breaks wouldn't be a bad option.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
Yea I don't plan to be easy on my trans lol. But what car could I get a better trans from?
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From: La Grange Park, IL
Car: 1987 Iroc Z28/ 1982 Z28
Engine: 355 TPI IP/ 305 CFI
Transmission: T-56/ 300C
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Open/ 3.73 Posi
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,522
Likes: 92
From: Aridzona
Car: `86 SS / `87 SS
Engine: L69 w/ TPI on top / 305 4bbl
Transmission: `95 T56 \ `88 200-4R
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 1
From: Port Orchard,WA
Car: 89 Camaro RS
Engine: 355 SD TPI
Transmission: WCT5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Posi
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
Wow... anyway the 6 speed is an easy alternative since you're already running a t5, you've got your choice between ls and lt each has pros and cons, a search should give you a better idea or you can go aftermarket like richmond etc
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
what would be the easiest choice, what manual trans can i put in that can handle decent power that would just bolt right in or would it be cheaper to convert to auto?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
well i removed the t5 today, took about 30 minutes, luckily it wasnt heavy and i just muscled it out. bout to try and sell it, goin get at t56








Member
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 360
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From: Manitowoc, WI
Car: 90 Camaro
Engine: 350 tpi
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4.10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
Yes, that'll happen unless you plug the hole by putting the driveshaft yoke back in.
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Posts: 276
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From: Beautiful Coastal New Jersey
Car: 1990 Firebird
Engine: 350 TBI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: Auburn posi 3.73
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
Yes it is normal for the fluid to come out of the tail shaft when the drive shaft is removed. Next time you have to pull a trans you won't have such a mess to clean up.
Last edited by pound; Sep 28, 2010 at 02:12 PM. Reason: late to the party with "someone died under there"
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
i just sprayed it off into the grass, no biggie lol. how much should i try to sell this for? i can get a t56 for $118 with warranty from my local auto yard.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 360
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From: Manitowoc, WI
Car: 90 Camaro
Engine: 350 tpi
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4.10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
If you can get a working t56 for 118 its either the steal of the century or there's some miscommunication in there.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
my auto yard doesnt sell by what kind of trans it is or what it came out of. they have a standard $88 fee for manual transmissions and $30 for a 30 day warranty if it dont work. you have to go in an get it out yourself.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Car: 1990 Iroc Z
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4:10
Re: Why has my transmisson bellhousing been cut?
Well I went got the t56 yesterday. Found out I was wrong. It was $88 for the trans with only 30 days to return it, or $118 for 90 days to return it. I took 30 lol. After tax it was $97.76 for the trans. Car I pulled it from had 89,000 miles. You guys would love this place. All v8 motors are $218 complete with a $30 core charge. No matter what kind. 305, 350, 454, lsx, lt1, anything.
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1985, 2004r, 700r, bellhousing, boot, cover, cut, cutting, dust, iroc, t5, th350, trans, transmission, transmisson











