4- speed bell housing/401

I have an earlier 401 (60-61) and want to build a pro touring Skylark. Are there any differences in the 401 blocks that would prevent me from using an aftermarket or stock bellhousing on this engine as the aftermarket states 1965. I will be using a Tremec 5-speed trans. I also need flywheel options for this car. I really want a nailhead and have one at my disposal. I was of the opinion that all 401 blocks were the same in this area.

Any help on this project would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Fred Z.

 

All the bell housings are the same from the 1959 year up thru 1966,,,, the 425 included....

 

Bellhousing bolt patterns are all the same from '57-'66/364/401/425. If it is a '60 bell it will be for the old trans. In '61 Buick made NO full size cars standard shift. '62-'65 will have a regular type cltuch fork we are all used to seeing. '65-'66 Skylark Gran Sports have a shaft set-up like an old VW bug.

 

401 blocks have the same bell bolt pattern. Some earlier sizes (322,0r 364?) have a different diameter that won't fit a 401.
Bellhousings are different between 65-66 full-size and Skylark GS's, but it's not a big deal... The GS ones are different to give clearance for the cast iron exhaust manifolds. ( per 'Brian')
I believe the flywheels are a bit different as well, maybe just a slight offset, I don't recall.
Aftermarket bells are/were avail from EELCO and now from Quick Time
http://www.ebay.com/itm/QUICKTIME-B...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cbfa6e5d1&vxp=mtr

A hydraulic throwout bearing would eliminate clutch linkage hassles.
Hopefully, Ted will chime in with his experiences.... he tried an EELCO bell and hydro linkage.

TA Performance offers a flywheel.

 

I just gave my Eelco bellhousing to Carmen so he can use it on an engine test stand. I found a GS bell to use with my project!

 

Thanks for the help on this issue. If I am reading this correctly it looks like I can get a Fkywheel, bell and what ever else I need from Bendtsen's. Is this the best choice or is there anyone else who offers a complete setup?

Thanks,
Fred Z

 

Hi Fred, bendstens is who I would go to for the bell housing. I think the dynaflow crank will be different so check the diameter vs the flywheel. I can check my 63 engine vs the 65 flywheel today...I do not know what bendstens offers for the flywheel.
Ted

 

Isn't there an issue with the crank not being cut for a pilot bearing using the old Dynaflow crank, or does that just apply to the TH400 torque converter pilot?

 

Thanks for the help. I do have a dynaflow on this engine and I would like to know about the crankshaft and if I need to find another.

Thanks again.
Fred Z.

 

you can make a th4 work with that crank......:Brow:

 

Sure, but it's not a bolt-up. In these days you can adapt anything to anything. :idea2:

Anybody know if the dynaflow cranks take a pilot bearing?