V8 swap Q - can you use the bellhousing from a 72? Starter?

[Corellian Corvette]

Hey everyone! I'm going to start collecting parts for the V8 conversion on my 1972 Vega. I'm going to keep the 4-speed and just move to a Saignaw from the opel unit I have.

What do you do about the bellhousing and cable-operated clutch? Can you use the same bellhousing, fork and cable?

If so - what do you do about the starter? Aren't Chevy V8 starters on the driver's side? Yet the provision for the starter in the bellhousing is on the passenger side.

Thanks!

[283vega]

You will need a bellhousing from a monza if you want to stick with the stock cable setup.They are pleniful on ebay. You will need a longer cable also.Just make sure you get the clutch fork , you may be able to use the old one but be on the safe side an get it. Im sure you will need a new starter.If you rag on it hard the sag trans may not live long.

[cjbiagi]

The reason you need a Monza bellhousing is because it is cable operated. Most bellhousings that use a mechanical linkage "push" the fork back. On a cable operated system you are "pulling" the fork forward so the pivot point where the fork attaches is in a totally different area on the housing. The starter on a V8 Chevy is on the passenger side. Are you talking about using your 4 cylinder starter on a V8? I don't think that will work........

[Corellian Corvette]

The bellhousing on my 72 is already cable operated. I think the big question is - does the bellhousing for the I4 share the SBC pattern, and does a Saginaw or other tranny bolt to the same pattern as the Opel 4-speed.

I *think* the answer to both is yes, but I want to be sure.

[cjbiagi]

Is there a number stamped on the bellhousing that you have?

[283vega]

The vega 4 cyl bell will not work .You need a v8 monza bell and longer cable because they moved the fork down lower for clearence.The iron duke bell will work.

[Corellian Corvette]

Ok here’s the thing – I *believe* that my car may have an engine swap from a later model. This could be why I think I can use my bellhousing.

The bellhousing currently in my car looks like this. Since I see it listed on ebay as working for a V8 that’s why I thought I was OK…

I will see if I can pull numbers off it it this weekend…