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215 bellhousing question

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by aluminum buick, Feb 9, 2006.

  1. aluminum buick
    Joined: Feb 2, 2006
    Posts: 39

    aluminum buick
    Member

    OK, does anyone know if the stock 3-speed bellhousing for a buick 215 will accept a t-5, I have heard the V-8 t-5's from mid 90's camaros and such will bolt right up and the bolt pattern looks correct, but I'd like to know if anyone knows for sure. I checked the splines on the input shaft on a junk t-5 and it looks the same as the splines on my stock clutch, but I dont know if there are any spacing issues. Please help me out if anyone knows.
     
  2. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 59,980

    squirrel
    Member

    GM was pretty good about manual ******s in the old days being interchangeable...yes, it'll fit, if you have a V8 or 4.3 type T5. The 4 cyl and 60 degree V6 trans is different.
     
  3. Armstrong
    Joined: Apr 17, 2004
    Posts: 371

    Armstrong
    Member


    I have an interest in these motors and have done some research. There are two types of bellhousings. The first has a single bolt pattern that fits only the BW three speed that came as original equipment. There are likely other trans that will fit,but I'm not sure what they might be. The second type has a dual bolt pattern. the smaller pattern is for the little BW trans and the larger pattern accepts the GM saginaw trans,which means that most newer GM trans will bolt up to it. You may have to pay attention to the spline count on the trans to be sure you have a compatable clutch disc. It seems that the dual pattern bell is more common in the '63 models. For the total scoop on these cool little engins contact D&D Engineering in MI. They have everything you need,but be aware that extinct engines, like this one, are spendy to rebuild. Armstrong
     
  4. aluminum buick
    Joined: Feb 2, 2006
    Posts: 39

    aluminum buick
    Member

    Thanks Squirrel, think I can get away with a stock clutch?
     
  5. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 59,980

    squirrel
    Member

    yeah, if you're not hopping up the motor too much.
     
  6. HEATHEN
    Joined: Nov 22, 2005
    Posts: 9,046

    HEATHEN
    Member
    from SIDNEY, NY

    You definitely want the '62-'63 dual pattern bell housing; the '61 three speed only bell that Armstrong mentioned doesn't have the correct bolt pattern, and also doesn't have enough meat to be redrilled for the 4/5 speed pattern. The dual pattern bell is a different casting. It's a long shot, but '62-'63 198 V6 bell housings will work as well.
     
  7. marq
    Joined: Aug 22, 2003
    Posts: 1,423

    marq
    Member

    As a 215 and rover v8 are the same the bolt pattern should be the same .If that is the case then there are plenty of boxes available here in the uk 5 speeds are common here.................Marq
     
  8. 33rag
    Joined: May 22, 2009
    Posts: 119

    33rag
    Member
    from Pa.

    Marq,I understand these trans. are weak and prone to fail,and very pricey to repair.Do you have any info on them?Thanks
     

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