Bellhousing Breakage

Jim Kaekel · 08-06-2012, 08:28 AM

I found this past weekend on my '70 Olds 442 D/SA that I've got a crack in the bellhousing. This is the second one in the last two years. Transmissions are TH-350 behind a real torquey Olds 455 that runs high tens. I use stock motor and transmission mounts, and have a turnbuckle mounted from the frame to the LH cylinder head. Over 25 years of racing this car, I have only broken a few bellhousings, but now have broken two in two years. A machinist friend suggested that the transmission cases probably get fatigued after so many years of racing. We both think that I should add a brace to the RH side of the transmission case that some guys are using that joins the bosses at the front and rear of the case. Thoughts? Experiences?

08-06-2012, 08:28 AM	#1
Jim Kaekel VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,226 Likes: 133 Liked 529 Times in 107 Posts	Bellhousing Breakage I found this past weekend on my '70 Olds 442 D/SA that I've got a crack in the bellhousing. This is the second one in the last two years. Transmissions are TH-350 behind a real torquey Olds 455 that runs high tens. I use stock motor and transmission mounts, and have a turnbuckle mounted from the frame to the LH cylinder head. Over 25 years of racing this car, I have only broken a few bellhousings, but now have broken two in two years. A machinist friend suggested that the transmission cases probably get fatigued after so many years of racing. We both think that I should add a brace to the RH side of the transmission case that some guys are using that joins the bosses at the front and rear of the case. Thoughts? Experiences? __________________ Jim Kaekel 3836 STK