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231v6 Engine/clutch/tranny Questions

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by Carlo Pelandini, Jun 29, 2023.

  1. Carlo Pelandini

    Carlo Pelandini New Member

    I have a pre-converted 42 GPW that someone installed a 77 Buick 231 even-fire engine into, mated to a T98 tranny.
    Upon removal of the engine/tranny combo, I discovered that the tranny is bolted directly to the bell housing with no conversion plate, which I believe is not possible with a stock GM bell housing. There are no numbers on the bell housing at all. The bell housing also has a no-rocker clutch fork, which means it requires a push-forward linkage to disengage the clutch.
    My questions are:
    - Does anyone have any idea if the bell housing is some custom-made thing that I can't replace? (It's missing a chunk out of the side.)
    - How do I determine what the clutch fork/throw-out bearing is out of? The Novak Guide offers no info, other than the type of fork.
    - The flywheel clutch surface and the pressure plate measures 10-3/8", but it has a 10" friction plate. Should this be a 10-3/8" ?
    Thanks for any info on the bell-housing/tranny connection....
     
  2. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    You sure the bell or tranny housing hasn't been modified to bolt up? With a T18 (later version of a T98 IMOP) you can modify the ears on the case and bolt it to a bell housing.

    If you can't figure the parts out - you may need to refactor things and go to a more traditional setup for the clutch.

    FWIW - I pulled a similar Pressure Plate and Friction setup out of a build on a 231 with a Saginaw 4 speed car tranny.
     
  3. Andrew Theros

    Andrew Theros Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    If I am correct, the late 70 - ‘71 V6 jeeps used a longer 1 piece bell, eliminating the adapter plate.
    Is there any provision for a throwout pivot on your bell housing?
    Maybe someone could help compare measurements.
     
  4. timsresort

    timsresort Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Maybe some photos of the bell housing would help.
     
  5. Backyard 65-CJ5

    Backyard 65-CJ5 I keep thinking it’s going to be an easy fix…

    I am 99% sure my dauntless and driveline came out of a 1971. It has the one piece bell without any adapter to the T14. Not sure if a later 70s 231 would have used the same thing. Here are some picks for comparison until you can post some of what you have…this shows the bolt pattern, fork pivot, and some other stuff for reference. I have the original clutch and pressure plate on the shelf which I can take measurements of tomorrow.
     
    Dwins1 likes this.
  6. jeepdaddy2000

    jeepdaddy2000 Active Member

    Early V6 BOP bellhousings used an adapter plate between the transmission and the bell. 70/71 used a one piece bell and it is long.
    I've adapted a Ford T18 to an early bell after removing the stock adapter.
    The top two bolts will align with a bit of massaging but I wound up re-enforcing the bottom webbing on the bell and installing the bolts from the inside.
    Pictures of yours can help identify what you have.
     
    Ol Fogie likes this.
  7. duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    No help of the problem but welcome to the site!
     
  8. Lockman

    Lockman OK.....Now I Get It . 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    AFAIK..... The bell that has no casting #'s on it is not a GM .
    Also, Novak did these all the time ........ Call them , Monday morning. They're good People.
    Mine is a much later year SFI 231 Turbo ......& it's mated to an Auto. Different, but no adapter on the Bell housing :shrug:.
     
    Last edited: Jul 7, 2023
  9. Cj5dale

    Cj5dale Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Here’s a pic of the adapter from my ‘70 cj5 with v6 and t14

    upload_2023-7-7_20-51-21.jpeg
     
    Dwins1 likes this.
  10. RedWing

    RedWing Member


    Looks like my 71 Bell housing. I have the clutch cable and have a very stiff clutch pedal. Tried all of Novak suggestions. My next step is to go with a non stock, longer clutch fork, with a 2 to 1 ratio, vs the stock smaller one