David,
I scratched the automatic bellhousing idea after exchanging e-mails with Jim
Stuart.I read of a late model tranny adapter with a engine for sale i wonder
how hard that would be to fab?On the stroker issue i just wanted info on the
350 crank as that's the only time i've seen it mentioned.Do you have any
information on strokers you could pass along?
Greg
David Kernberger wrote:
> Julie,
>
> May I make a quick reply to both your questions? The question of
> using the automatic tranny to make a manual bell-housing is indeed an
> interesting one. What you may not realize is that the housing is not
> separate on the auto. It would have to be cut off and fully
> machined--probably a very expensive one-off proposition. This is assuming
> the dimensions would closely match those of the manual housing. I have no
> idea if that may be so.
>
> Most stroker engines are based on the Buick 300 crankshaft which
> gives a stroke of 3.4" compared to the 215's original 2.8" stroke. This is
> a signicicant increase and many tried and proven combinations of parts have
> been successfully built many times by many people. The stroke of the Buick
> 340-350 crank is 3.85". This is massive for the tiny 215 block. It has
> been done but my guess is that it would not be recommended by most
> experienced people. For either crank, the main journals have to be ground
> .200" smaller--from 2.500" to 2.300". My thought is also that, the longer
> the stroke, the more this grinding would weaken the crank. It is probably
> not a particularly strong one in the first place.
>
> There are many more details which would also need to be considered.
> Hope I do not sound like a complete spoilsport.
>
> Regards,
>
> Dave Kernberger
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