The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop bellhousing for a 46 chevy with 4 speed

I am looking into replacing the 3 speed in the 46 with a 4 speed and want to make sure that I am looking for the right part/parts. The truck currently has a 59 235 with the original 46 bellhousing and a small bolt pattern floor shift 3 speed. I would like to change to the modern 4 speed with the granny low and go to an open drive line. I know alot of people are going the T-5 route. I have thought about the using a T-5 but I am researching to see if this option is feasible. I already have a
I have seen that Jim Carter has a new bellhousing that may work Jim Carter bellhousing It say that it is a modified bellhousing from a newer truck . I would have to provide a core from a later model. Would a later model bellhousing work or would I have to find a belhousing from a 3/4 or 1 ton truck from 46? I haven't had a chance to call Carter's to determine what is modified on the newer bellhousing to understand the difference. I have access to a new process tranny and another rearend. I just need the right bell housing and a drive shaft fabricated. Thanks for the help and opinions are welcome.

Hy dsmith, it looks like Jim Carter has come up with a very desirable bellhousing, one that people have been clamering for for years. This bellhousing should allow you to do what you want to do, the modification is most likely a mount for the pedal shaft has been fabricated into a newer bellhousing. There were no factory bellhousings with the pedal shaft mount and the more modern post 48 transmission attaching bolt pattern. All you should need to do is confirm that your New Process transmission bolt pattern will bolt up to a post 48 bellhousing, and of course has the same length input shaft as the post 48 SM420 4spd., hope that helps.

Thanks, the transmission came from a 68 to 72 chevy so it will work.

The 68-72 New process transmission Will Not Fit that bellhousing without some work. The New Process transmission is indexed at 5.125 inches. The bellhousing is indexed at 4.686 inches. The bellhousing will likely have to be bored out so the newer transmission will fit.

I ended up making an adapter plate for my 1940 GMC to put a NV4500 5 speed out of a dodge 1 ton. I used the stock bellhousing. I haven't dot it on the road yet, so I can't tell you how it works.