283 clutch housing casting number

[ACERMAN]

Looking at buying '57 clutch housing to go behind my original 283 block when converting from Powerglide to a modern 5 speed manual setup. Clutch housing casting number is 3731548 - is this correct part for my application? Will I have to change the rear mounts from the Powerglide originals?

[chevynut]

Welcome to the site!

Most guys go with a more modern 3-point engine mounting setup but the original scheme works if you can find good rear mounts.

If you ever intend to lower the car and put full-length headers on it, I would do the 3-point setup with a transmission crossmember. You would want to remove your frame mount horns to get your headers up higher.

The bellhousing can either be the original manual transmission one or you can go with an aftermarket Lakewood bellhousing with the side mounts if you go that route The correct casting number for the original one is 3704922. Casting number 3731548 is the one off of your 283.

[ACERMAN]

Let me clarify my original post. I am looking to do upgrades in stages due to lack of funding for the entire makeover. My original car is '57 283 with Powerglide. The Powerglide likes to burp fluid and slips when pushed hard. I am anxious to get a 5 speed installed so I can have some fun driving, so I am looking at only replacing the troublesome PG with a modern 5 spd now. The new small block engine upgrade will come later when I have saved enough $$ to make it happen.
That being said, I am keeping the original 283 block that has no provision for side mounts. I need to buy an original style bell housing with the horn mounts. I found one for sale with casting #3731548 and I want to know if this is correct for the '57 283 block? According to other info I located, the #3704922 is for '55 and '56.
I am not sure about starter - it would appear that I will have to change starter to match an original bell housing with (3) bolts?

[markm]

What 5 speed are you using, I see nothing wrong with what you are doing, but would add a trans crossmember under rear of trans. I would love to have a 57 model 283 instead of the 350 in my 56.

[chevynut]

As I said previously, casting number 3731548 is the number for a 57 283/265 block, not a bellhousing. Here's a list of engine casting numbers:

http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html

As far as I know, all 55-57 cars can use manual transmission bellhousing #3704922. They changed the casting number in 1957 to #3733365 but its compatible with any 55-57 car and unless you're restoring it to original the number shouldn't matter:

http://www.4speedconversions.com/3704922.html
http://www.tracyvette.com/bellhousings.html

Other info I read....The 55-56 bellhousing has the ball stud for the fork installed from the inside, where the 57 has the ball stud installed from the backside. All 3 starter holes are threaded on a 55-56 bellhousing, but the top one is not threaded on the 57 bellhousing. So if it matters, you could just drill the threads out of a 55-56 bellhousing.

I had a 55-56 housing attached to a 427 BBC in my Nomad. They all have the same bolt pattern and will interchange with minor differences. DON'T get a 55-56 truck bellhousing as the mounts aren't the same.

[chevynut]

The other thing you're going to have to deal with is the clutch linkage. You can either install the original mechanical linkage or upgrade to a hydraulic setup.

Using the original mechanical linkage you will have to weld a pivot ball onto the frame for the z-bar. Either bellhousing casting number will have the correct holes to install the engine-side pivot ball. You will also obviously have to get a clutch pedal and install it in your existing pedal support under the dash.

There are kits to convert to hydraulic linkage, which is what I prefer to use.

You'll need to address your driveshaft length and probably the front yoke as well.

[ACERMAN]

Thanks for the great info. I stand corrected on the bell housing number. I did confuse the engine# with bell#. The bell I am looking at buying is shown in a picture as 3733365 which is identified by Tracy's as the '57 version of the casting as you correctly pointed out. Again, thanks for the info chevynut. I think there is a difference in starter mounting between the 2 different versions...

[chevynut]

The starter holes are in the same position. The only difference is that the upper hole on a 57 bellhousing isn't threaded. I'm not sure why that's the case. Either bellhousing will work for you....just find the cheapest one. :)

[Rick_L]

I'm not sure what a 56 starter had, but a 57 starter is preferred over the 55 starter anyway because of the better solenoid.
Also the 57 starter will have the upper hole threaded to match the bellhousing having a clearance hole (that bolt goes in from the back). Also I think that the 57 bellhousing could have either pivot ball configuration (install from the front or install from the rear) - but I don't think this is a big deal, just use what it's made for.

One thing about a 57 starter. It's the same as the 58-up block mount starters, except for the nose casting. Which means that if you find a 57 nose casting or a 57 core, you can upgrade it to a high torque starter as used on big blocks and heavy duty applications in the 60s and 70s.

A 15003 Lakewood bellhousing will accept the 57 bellhousing mounts, 57 starter, and the inner z-bar pivot ball bracket. Total bolt in.