Chevy Tri Five Forum banner

Stock Cast Iron or Aluminum Bellhousing OK with Tremec TKX?

1.1K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  hotrodg726  
#1 ·
Hey Guys,

Just got back from meeting with some other local TriFive gearheads. I talked about my plans to convert from automatic to a TKX.
One of the guys mentioned he had a few old bellhousings available, both early GM items. One is a stock cast iron Chevy from 57-59, and the other is an aluminum GM 3779553
originally used on the 60-62 Corvette and 61-63 hi-po 409s. I never really though about using one that old, but both have the bolt holes for mounting the z-bar bracket (which I need) and I like the idea of the removable lower cover, allowing access the clutch assembly.

I've been assured that they're both in excellent condition; no cracks or stripped out threads. Any reason not to consider them? Not that price is an object, but I know I can get either for dirt cheap.

Thanks again.
 
#2 ·
if you do use one of these, I would recommend having a machine shop check the mounting surfaces for straightness. I installed a used Lakewood sc. shield and could not get the alignment within spec after many attempts. Turns out the mounting surface had to be machined .030". Once that was done, it fell into place. Don't assume it's still straight after all these years.An install tip, buy the offset dowels that have the set screw center and flats on the outside as opposed to the cheaper ones that just have a screwdriver slot and no locking mechanism.

Larry.
 
#3 ·
either will work as long as the register hole matches the trans register size. personally I would get the corvette aluminum one just for the huge weight savings, and those are usually big bucks so if you get a deal its a win win. neither should have the issue mentioned in the above post.