Bellhousing cover plate - Small Block

[Richard D.]

The GM bellhousing I got for my 68 came without the front cover plate that protects the bottom of the flywheel from front entry of debris.

My parts guy at a Chevy dealer looked into his parts book and gave me GM#3843943 which is still available from GM parts direct for about $11.00 or so.

Can anyone verify that this is the correct part for me as I have looked in my AIM and 68 service manual, but could not find the bellhousing assm. detailed.

Were all the SB bellhousings the same regardless of the clutch size?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Regards,

Rich

[Chuck S.]

Re: Bellhousing cover plate - Small Block

Richard, according to my 53-72 Corvette Parts book, it looks like he gave you the number for a 70-72 454 bell housing cover (3843943). As of 1972, the small block bell housing cover listed for your 69 small block is part number 3788422. This cover is the same for 66-69 (350 & 427) and 70-72 (350 only). I don't know if the number he gave you is interchangeable or not.

[Joe L.]

Re: Bellhousing cover plate - Small Block

Rick------

NO, not all bellhousings were the same. They vary with flywheel size (which is usually also related to clutch size). For a 1968, you will likely have one of 2 bellhousings. The part numbers are prominently cast into the side of each bellhousing so ID is easy. If you have a small block or L-88 big block, it will be a GM #3858403 bellhousing (or, GM #3840383 if someone has replaced it previously with a functional, but likely incorrect unit). These bellhousings are used with 12-3/4" flywheels/10-1/2" clutches. These bellhousings originally used a GM #3788422 front cover which was replaced for SERVICE in January, 1976 by GM #354497 which is still available. This cover is very similar to the original EXCEPT that it has 2 small tangs at the center radius to "clip" to the rear lip of the oil pan. These "tangs" are a GREAT improvement over the original, "un-tanged" design. If you need this cover, you DEFINITELY want the one with the tangs, whether the judges like it or not.

If you have a 1968 Corvette with big block (except L-88), then you should have bellhousing GM #3899621. This bellhousing is designed to work with 14" flywheels used with 11" clutches. The front cover for this bellhousing is GM #3843943 and is still available from GM. This is the original part number for the cover used on your car. However, the part has been revised since the mid-70s. It now includes the same "tangs" as I described for the other cover; the original 3843943 used on your car didn't have them. Once agin, these tangs are a small, but MAJOR, improvement over the original design. You WANT THEM.

[John Thomas]

Re: Bellhousing cover plate - Small Block

Richard
Joe is giving very good advice about the "tanged" cover. This from the voice of experience.
John

[Richard D.]

Re: Bellhousing cover plate - Small Block

My thanks to everyone for the info.

I am running the 11" clutch so the bellhousing should be the 3843943, I will double check the numbers on the BH this weekend.

And thanks for the info on the tangs. I would never have known that if I did not check with you guys.

Regards,

Rich