First post! Olds 215, GM V6 T-5, Buick 215 3-speed bellhousing

[Beau Dirt]

I have been taking in a lot of info from this site. Wow, I'm amazed. I using a 215 in a 1930 Model A and it appear that many of you share the idea of these engines.

So, like everyone else, I'm on a budget. I managed to find a Buick 215 3-speed ONLY bellhousing with the clutch parts and flywheel locally. It's my understanding that the most ideal set-up is the GM-V8 T-5. However, i stumbled upon an '85 Camaro V-6 T-5 today for $25.

I have seen guys modify the 3-speed only bellhousing to accept the 4-speed holes.

(recently on ebay for $300!!!)



So wham bam, the V-8 t-5 bolts right on with the correct length input shaft if you weld on tabs or have the "dual pattern" bellhousing.

I read that not only is the V-6 t-5 a 14 spline, smaller diameter input, but it's also 1/2" or 9/16" longer?!?

So my question is this.

I found this adaptor on ebay-



It allows the use of an S-10/Camaro V6 T-5 on a V-8/Muncie/Saginaw bellhousing (or a stock dual pattern 215?). Basically acting as a spacer.

Can I get two birds stoned at once and use the "spacer" also as the "adaptor" to mount the 4 speed pattern on to the 3 speed bellhousing I have? I would modify the adaptor by drilling fur holes to the 3-speed pattern and countersinking them into the spacer. This would eliminate the need for welding, tapping and surface grinding the bellhousing for the 4-speed pattern.

I have a wonderful machinst that only charges $25/hour. But if I can buy a spacer, drill four holes and bolt it all up.....that sounds better.

Any help is appreciated.

[mgb260]

Looks good to me.  Where did you get the spacer and how much did it cost?

[Beau Dirt]

I did not buy the adaptor yet.

My only concern is not having enough material on the spacer to countersink the holes and still have it be strong.

This seems like it could be an easy fix for what I have though. It would also open up more options to use the V-6 transmissions.

I found it here- $150

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-S-10-T5-transmission-adapter-spacer-5-speed-235-230-250-292-/170834307102?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item27c684a81e

Any other thoughts?

[mgb260]

Large taper head allen bolts with locktite would hold well. Looking at the other side of adapter on Ebay you might have to mill off the raised area if center hole is different.

[Beau Dirt]

http://vintagemetalworks.blogspot.com/

Here is the fella that makes those adapters.

He's a real nice guy too! I'm going to have him make the adapter for what I need.

Hope it helps you all out.

[Beau Dirt]

Do any of you have the factory dimensions for the 3-speed bolt pattern?

[Beau Dirt]

It appears that the 3-speed only bolt pattern is the same as the Borg Warner T90 3-speed transmission.

I'm going to send this off to the fella at Vintage and have him drill the holes so a Camaro V-6 or S-10 transmission will now bolt right on.

I hope this helps others later on.

Thanks for all the info you have on here.