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I've got a 1998 8HBD 4L60E transmission that has the older style input shaft and 298mm convertor, but it has the removable bellhousing (full circle style instead of half cut) for the older style stall convertors.
I'm going to rebuild it with stage 2 shift kit and performance rebuild kit etc, but it's going to bolt onto a SBC400 motor.
The bellhousing I have is from a commodore (Australian car) and even though the motors these usually got on have the chev bolt pattern, the starter is on the other side of the motor (LHS)
So in order for the small block 400 starter to fit, I'm going to have to cut a gap in the bellhousing for the starter gear to fit and engage with the flex plate.
Has anyone done or seen this done before?
I'm thinking I'll get a fabrication shop to do it properly and ensure there's no cracks or sharp bits to cause stress points etc, but just wondering if it can be done and if anyone has done it before?
Note this is the 6 cylinder version images, but same problem just different bolt holes:
Posting V6 bell pics when you're talking V8 bits constitutes garlic licorice levels of communication, for starters, pun intended.
Seems to me a stock Monaro, Ute, Commodore etc. bell and the Mortorq bit to change it would constitute an easy solution. Unless you liked the option of going with a Unibell.
Sorry I should have made the text larger for people to see:
Note this is the 6 cylinder version images, but same problem just different bolt holes:
I can't use any of the bellhousings you just mentioned, because they all are deeper to accommodate the larger torque convertor, and I don't want to change the length of the transmission and have to change crossmembers or cut tailshafts to fit it.
The bellhousing I have is specific to VT series 1 Commodore which bolted up to a Holden 304.
I see now. It's one of those things no one is going to recommend, but it's been done before.
Your risk is junking a pump, converter, and shaft, if things crack and hang down. (I have had bellhousing bolts work loose.) Or worse if it really breaks.
Buzz it gently, smooth the edges. Keep an eye on it every oil change. If it breaks, admit defeat, and go w/ the driveline shortening, crossmember, and OEM LS Holden bell. IMO.
I'll have to see how much I need to remove of the case when I have the engine out.
I thought maybe a starter relocation but the oil filter would be in the way.
I'll post on the thread once I've seen what I'm working with.
From the looks of it, the US trucks with vortec motors had these bellhousings which require the 298mm converter etc, so I'm assuming this would be the same dimensions as the VT1 bellhousing but with the starter provision in the correct place...
03-22-2019, 06:03 AM
