70 lower bellh. cover

[Dennis D.]

Want to replace the cover on my 70 L-46. 4sp. The one on the car appears to be what I have found still available (GM 3843943). Has a round starter hole.

I have also seen part#354497. Has a "D shaped" starter hole. Application also for 70-72. Which is correct?

[Joe L.]

Re: 70 lower bellh. cover

Dennis-----

The GM #3843943 is the correct cover for your application. This is the cover used with bellhousings designed for 14", 168 tooth flywheels.

The GM #354497 is a cover designed for use with bellhousings designed for use with 12-3/4", 153 tooth flywheels. The 354497 is NOT the cover originally used for 63-72 applications with 12-3/4" flywheel bellhousings. That part was GM #3788422 which the 354497 replaced.

By the way, current versions of the 3843943 (and, those available for about the last 25 years) are not exactly the same as the originally-installed and early SERVICE version of the same part. What's the difference? The current version has 2 small "tabs" at the center radius which are designed to "clip" onto the rear oil pan seal lip on the oil pan. This prevents the cover from road debris/water puddle-induced inward deflection of the cover and subsequent contact with the crankshaft flange.

The ONLY one to use is the CURRENT version WITH the tabs. Absolutely. Positively. Period.

[Dennis D.]

Re: 70 lower bellh. cover

Joe

Is this the new version?

[Joe L.]

Re: 70 lower bellh. cover

Dennis----

Yes, it is. Note the small, offset "tabs" at the "4 o'clock" and "8 o'clock" positions on the center radius.

[Dennis D.]

Re: 70 lower bellh. cover

This is exactly like the old one on my 70.(Been there since I bought it in 73) If this is the new style, could mine have been replaced prior to 1973 with this newer version?

[Joe L.]

Re: 70 lower bellh. cover

Dennis----

Yes, I think that's possible. I don't think that the original versions of the cover had the "tabs"-----the original cover on my 1969 did not, that's for sure. Just when they were added, I don't know. Possibly, it could have happened for the 1970 model year, but I don't think it happened that early.

[Del S.]

Re: 70 lower bellh. cover

Joe, should this cover (3843943) fit the .....403 bellhousing?

[Joe L.]

Re: 70 lower bellh. cover

Del-----

No, the GM #3843943 will not fit a GM #3858403 bellhousing. That bellhousing is designed for use with a 12-3/4" flywheel. The cover currently available to fit that application is GM #354497.

By the way, the only 1970 Corvettes that ever used the '403' bellhousing were the 25 ZR-1s manufactured. No other 1970 Corvette originally used that bellhousing.