Technical Bellhousing Adapter

Hey guys, I'm brand new to this group, but not to cars. But there is one new thing I've never encountered. I've had for 57 Bel airs but they always had V8 engines. Now I have a really nice one with an original 235 engine, and a powerglide. I want to put a newer 3 speed automatic transmission in it. does anybody know where I can get one of these adapters and do they really work and are they worth it?

 

Welcome to the HAMB. Lots of great info here and camaraderie to be had.

Yes, they work. Buffalo Enterprises is one source. Also www.trasmissionadapters.com , Wil Cap.......there are other sources, but you only really need one.

Ray

 

Thanks, I'm gonna look into it

 

Been running a Buffalo behind my GMC (similar as they share the same bellhousing) for 20 years and have one for automatic with a flex plate in my stash. Nice thing u will loose a lot of weight and can use a bolt up starter (mini) if you want.

 

That isn't going to bolt a Turbo 350 up to a 235 Johnny. Sometimes you just have to take the time to read the whole question all the way though before raising you hand.
Buffalo enterprise adapters are great but he is basically a one man operation and can at times be hard to get hold of. http://www.inliners.org/buffalo/
Tom Landon http://www.langdonsstovebolt.com/st...apter-235-and-261/p/1396439/category=18665953 Sells the adapter plate and flexplate and for 65 more will sell you the proper oem style starter so you don't have to fight with one of those mini starters that some guys pee on their shoes over.

Bendtsens's also sells one and it includes the starter. https://transmissionadapters.com/co...ts/chevy-216-235-261-to-v8-style-transmission
All have a good rep.

 

Sorry completely miss read request. I thought it was the other way around. Must be all this being cooped up. Yesterday I screwed up so bad buying part's for myself. Good thing sellers worked with me.

 

For the cost of an adapter, you could probably buy buy a SBC, possibly with say a TH350 trans already attached to it. Possibly try a towing yard auction, and get an entire car, then sell what you don't need and send what's left to a wrecking yard. And welcome to the HAMB!!! I am Butch/56sedandelivery.

 

Thanks All! And for the welcome. I appreciate your responses. I am partial to this 6 cylinder, had V8s in the past and a SBC would surely be easier and dependable. Had no idea that from 63 and up we're the newer bell housing size. Another problem I didn't know about was my carb. I'm thinking of a 700r4 and throttle cable is a concern. SO.....the saga continues. Thanks again everyone. Stay safe.

 

@NJ57 ....... consider a THM 2004R instead of the THM 700R4. The 2004R has better ratio spread, weighs a bit less and most importantly, has less internal friction so doesn’t require as much hp to run it. With your 6 cylinder, that is not an insignificant matter.

Ray

 

Here's a friend's 35 Chevy Master roadster, blue flame with triples and T400, T350 would be more than sufficient. He has a ball driving it

 

From what I have seen the outfits that make the adapters don't reccomend the 700R4 For the reasons that Hnstray mentioned. It takes appreciably more power to get past the mechanical power drain they have compared to other transmissions.

 

That's a cool ride

 

Makes a lot of sense, I'm not racing this car around town just cruising

 

200r’s we’re behind Buick turbo Grand Nationals and are killer transmissions. I would use one over a 700r anytime.

 

I absolute loved the 261 in my 50 Chevy with 3 carb offey intake split exhaust buffalo enterprises t5 adaptive and all the other go fast and fancy goodies it was the crown jewel of that build.

BUT !!! It did cost me considerably more then just stuffing a tried n true 350/350 between the fenders.


But that 261 was fun and the “ oohhs and ahhs “ when I popped the hood where worth it. I think! Lol

 

@NJ57 I am putting my money where my mouth is. I am putting a mildly built Chevy 250 6 cyl and 2004R trans in my '37 Chevy coupe..........

Ray

 

To add or describe the 1-2 shift of a 700R4. It will feel like shifting from 1 to 3 right away, BIG BOG. 200's won't do that and shift equally to a Turbo 350 but with over drive. And they are a smaller package as well.

 

Get a 200-4R, also look into doing the split exhaust and dual carb intake on that 235, made a big difference on my buddies 53 with a 235. Hes still on the original 3 speed manual, that thing is a lot of fun to drive.

 

Regarding ratios compared to a TH350.........the 2004R varies a bit. TH350 has 2.52 first gear....2004R has 2.74 first gear......so a little more grunt on initial acceleration but not so deep as the less desirable 3.06 first gear of the 700R4.........but I certainly agree with your ***essment overall.

Ray

 

Equally is not the same as equal.
e·qual·ly
/ˈēkwəlē/
adverb

1. in the same manner or to the same extent.

 

@Johnny Gee

....................I am confused ......I think this falls into that category of a “distinction without a difference”....but I am not sure

Ray