Hot Rods Bellhousing Rib Removal

I'm wanting to know if this top rib on my bell housing adapter is removed will it affect the integrity of the adapter?

It interferes with my firewall so, I either remove this or hack into my firewall which I prefer not to do.

Thanks

 

I think you are safe grinding it off

 

It may be a stress point and the "rib" prevents cracking. If I ground it off I would leave a rounded portion remaining vice squaring it off. Just my 2 cents.

Curious, why the need for an adapter on an SBC?

 

Yes

 

The adapter is there to use my Ford 3 speed top loader.

 

I don't think you will have issues with it as long as you smooth it out rounded with no sharp angles as he said.

That was most likely put there for stress relief on that spot but may have been put there as a identification mark by the manufacture too. One of those "ours have the rib behind the bolt an theirs don"t" things when a ton of those things were being sold every week.

 

newer chevy engines dont even use that bolt new blocks are not even drilled

 

Id take my two pound hammer & adjust the firewall

 

On my '32 firewall, I know you're just joshin' me, right?

 

#*##%$!

 

I would say that you could remove it with no problems. I would think that the transmission would break or go before the adapter.

 

I'm kinda thinking that way as well. The trans is sitting in the stock K member and I would think any downward pressure is minimized by the bolts on either side of the adapter.

 

If things are that tight my guess is your going to find other issues once you grind it off. Personally I'd move the motor forward temporally and sit the body in place and make sure you don't have other clearance issues. You may need more than just a dimple for that rib.
The Wizzard

 

With the location of the engine and transmission mounts being as they are, when installed, the loads on that section of the adapter are in compression. When in place, there will be no forces applied that 'pull' outward on that mounting ear.

Theoretically though, when lifting the eng & trans as a unit the trans with want to
'tilt backwards'....and the load will be in tension, but that is really negligible.

In my opinion, you could remove the rib without risk, but I would follow the suggestion of other posters that you do so neatly and with a radius at the base.


Ray

 

Already did this.....no other clearance issues. Either the firewall or the rib and then all is well.

 

My two cents. Grind it off. Re***emble. Drive like hell. If it breaks, fix it. It's not something that can't be replaced. Parts is parts. As far as the firewall goes, like Pete Eastwood says, "They're just old Fords." We're talking machines here, not irreplaceable art. The idea, at least to me, is you build it and drive it. Fast. If it breaks, fix it faster.

 

fortynut....I like your at***ude. and I want your bankroll

 

Then I would have no problem knocking that rib off and moving on with the project. I really don't believe it has anything to do with stress or support of the adapter.
The Wizzard

 

Thanks all....that's where I'm headed.