BAD NEWS!! took the car out for a ride down the street while i was tuning it and brought it in the garage and heard a noise comming from the bellhousing. sounded like the filler tube was rattling, well put the car up in the air and thier it is.. a HUGE crack on the across the bell housing!! This ever happen to any of you?? whats the next step.. Do i build another th400 and this happens again.. Do i build a big hp stick setup?? i am limited due to the nailhead bellhousing, but they do make a adapter to put a chevy trans behind a nailhead.. will the adapter be the next week point?/ wouldnt mind hearing some opinions Paul 66larkgs turbo 401 nailhead http://s917.photobucket.com/albums/ad19/66larkgs/
Paul I would get another case and put your parts in it. As long as the case is the only damage. If you break the next one look into using the adapter. I have made about 130 full passes and had no issues with the adapter:TU: . Make sure all the bolts are/were tight....and that your trans mount is in good shape.
He has a nailhead, and a th400 http://www.customrodder.com/tech/0307cr_adapt_transmission_vintage_engine/photo_02.html I would use this adapter, it looks BEFFY! Just remember to check the bolts often to be sure they are not loosening. Then you could either use a JW ultrabell bellhousing on your trans if it is not dammaged too badly or you could get any th400 with the right tailshaft and add the JW housing, most have no trouble with it even over 1500 hp. I found that the th400 is the cheepest to build for power of all the automatics! Another option is the 4l80E trans with a Chevy bolt pattern.... More more more $ but you get a strong bellhousing right off the bat, overdrive gear, and they are great trans!
Dont mind the trouble i actually like the problem solving...but i never broke a bellhousing before but thier is always a first. i am debating if i should run a ultra bell, keep my th400 and put the adapter or get the adapter and run a 4l80e and than i have to run a stand alone computor.. not sure which way i should go .. i think if i keep the th400 atleast i know it is rebuilt and eveything is new,and i know worst comes to worst they just shorten my driveshaft.. paul 66larkgs turbo 401
rubber mounts on both trans and engine.. drive shaft is brand new, i am thinking about shooting in the garage tonight and starting to rip the trans out..
Make sure when the car is at ride height the driveshaft has 3/4-1" clearence from the front of the yoke to the rear trans seal. If it doesn't it can butt up against the tailhousing and break things.
Check out Optishift by Bauman Electronic Controls. I don't know anything about it but sounds interesting and is more affordable than some of the others. I talked to one of their reps and he said you can get the controller and harness for around $600.00. Good Luck Bob H.
The aluminum these trans. are made from is good quality. I have run into this a few times. Usually happens when the bellhousing bolts loosen up. Even happened on a vehicle I KNOW I tightened the bolts on. I have had four welded in the past with NO problems later. Just need a good welder with much aluminum welding experience. Could even add some support struts to make the area even stronger than original.
Hey Tom, i am going to weld it up, i have talked to a friend of mine who is a unbelievable welder. He's a welding instructor at the trade school i teach at, so he said he would take care of me since i just took care of his wifes srs light. One hand washes the other!!! I took some pictures of the cracked transmission and a few other of the turbo and suspension setup.. Paul 66larkgs turbo 401 nailhead http://s917.photobucket.com/albums/ad19/66larkgs/66 skylark turbo nailhead/ http://s917.photobucket.com/albums/...lbums/ad19/66larkgs/53 international hot rod/
car is up and running again and while it was apart i decieded to fix a few issues. anyone doing a rear mount turbo you have to run as big as drain as possiable, i ended up with a 3/4 id fuel hose for my drain, works pissa!! i went with a derale transmission cooler and eletric fan mounted under the car with steel braided -6an line. looks so much nicer. i went and built a tubular crossmember that lowered the trans 1/2 inch and set the carb @ 4-5 degress. ripping seats out this week to drop off at the upholestry guy for new covers and buns. tring to get it completed for the wedding pictures in next july. hopefully funds will allow.will be posting some pictures soon. Paul 66larkgs turbo 401 nailhead
