So maybe a dumb question: if i want to adapt engine X to transmission Y, I can make a (say .75" thick for a round number) adapter plate to go between the block and bellhousing.
Is all else i have to do is put a spacer between the crank and flywheel that's the same thickness as the adapter plate? Is that it? Seems too easy...
I can think of a few possible challenges:
- Starter might not be in the right place for the gear to engage with the flywheel
- Spacer would need to be machined for a pilot bearing and locate it at the right depth for the input shaft
- Spacer adds mass to the rotating assembly. Probably not difficult to center and might not affect balance, but it's mass nonetheless.
I was gonna mention pilot bearing.
No Time
UltraDork
2/29/24 10:57 p.m.
I think I'd rather make an aluminum plate and then cut the bell housing and weld the plate to the bell housing to make it fit.
That would reduce the issues mentioned with starter, pilot bushing, and balance. The depth would still need to be the right distance for the input shaft, but it would be the modified bell housing rather than multiple spacers.
The amount of crank protrusion of engine X may not be the same as the original engine that came with transmission Y. You need to measure carefully. The 0.75" adapter plate doesn't mean you need to space the flywheel the same amount. Measure, measure....and measure again.
This video on the subject might be of interest:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s9ka42uubU
Assuming the input shaft of the new transmission is longer than the input shaft of the original transmission, could the adapter plate be the difference in thickness allowing the original clutch/flywheel/starter to be used on the engine? (assuming the input splines are the same)