Bracket Talk
Reid powerglide case with cracked bell housing

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https://drr.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/80760912/m/4597007596

March 09, 2021, 10:32 AM
banjo
Reid powerglide case with cracked bell housing
Hello All,

I have a powerglide with a Reid case that has a cracked bellhousing. Transmission worked fine when Crack was discovered. JW makes a bellhouse that bolts directly to the front pump. Any one have any experience with this?

Thanks


Bill Simpkins
74 Nova
SBC 406
3240 pounds
Speierracing heads

60 1.27 (10/16)
1/8 6.03@111 (10/16)
Best 9.87@131 on the rev limitor 1 Feb 2013


nova

quarterpanelview

wheelie

FTI Converter
www.speierracingheads.com

March 09, 2021, 10:39 AM
Bill Koski
I've had a JW like that for years, had it recerted a couple of times, out of cert now.
No problems with it.
Handy for centering the trans with the drive shaft too.


TAKE IT TO THE BANK!!!!!
Later, Bill Koski
March 09, 2021, 10:50 AM
Mike Rietow
quote:
Originally posted by banjo:
Hello All,

I have a powerglide with a Reid case that has a cracked bellhousing. Transmission worked fine when Crack was discovered. JW makes a bellhouse that bolts directly to the front pump. Any one have any experience with this?



Thanks


Weld the crack.
March 09, 2021, 11:22 AM
BD104X
I'd be concerned about why it cracked... those cases normally handle a lot of power, I'd bet that something somewhere is moving that shouldn't be.


Billy Duhs - BD104X@gmail.com
March 09, 2021, 11:29 AM
Mike Rietow
quote:
Originally posted by BD104X:
I'd be concerned about why it cracked... those cases normally handle a lot of power, I'd bet that something somewhere is moving that shouldn't be.


Solid engine mounts, in conjuction with a solid transmission mount can do that, I'd image it would take a long time to happen, Reid case.

I have no mid or motor plate on my Nova, it's just factory condition Nova with a sbc like banjo's car, I run solid Moroso engine mounts, but run a urethane transmission mount, factory stock transmission crossmember.
March 09, 2021, 11:42 AM
TD3550
Bill. can you post a Pic?. It takes a lot to crack them. Like to see where it is cracked at. Taking into consideration all is/was tight using the
urethane center mount, when was the last time a bench was done?. Any odd ball vibration in the run? Car lifting and coming down hard? Too many variables. Also are you running the longer dowel pins?
March 09, 2021, 12:23 PM
Mike Rietow
Weld it up, put a urethane transmission mount, it'll be fine.

You don't want the front of the transmission hanging from the pump.

Weld it, I don't suggest you saw the bellhousing off.
March 09, 2021, 01:04 PM
banjo
I have a urethane on the transmission and one of the engine mounts is urethane. The other engine mount is solid.

I do have the longer dowel pins for the trans.

Nothing happen that gave me an indication it was cracked other than it started leaking out the front.

The case has been around for a minute, bought it in 2009.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/simpkinsfamily/2MUM1f

https://www.flickr.com/gp/simpkinsfamily/c6Ya80

https://www.flickr.com/gp/simpkinsfamily/0Cgh1R


Bill Simpkins
74 Nova
SBC 406
3240 pounds
Speierracing heads

60 1.27 (10/16)
1/8 6.03@111 (10/16)
Best 9.87@131 on the rev limitor 1 Feb 2013


nova

quarterpanelview

wheelie

FTI Converter
www.speierracingheads.com

March 09, 2021, 01:18 PM
Mike Rietow
quote:
Originally posted by banjo:
I have a urethane on the transmission and one of the engine mounts is urethane. The other engine mount is solid.

I do have the longer dowel pins for the trans.

Nothing happen that gave me an indication it was cracked other than it started leaking out the front.

The case has been around for a minute, bought it in 2009.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/simpkinsfamily/2MUM1f

https://www.flickr.com/gp/simpkinsfamily/c6Ya80

https://www.flickr.com/gp/simpkinsfamily/0Cgh1R


I'd weld it and run two solid engine mounts, urethane trans mount, standard dowels.

I run a guy out at the Big Top flea market 30 years ago, when I was street racing. His T400 cracked just like yours in the second race to get his money back.

The transmission turned over under the car. Solid engine and trans mount. This was a high dollar 68 RS SS factory 302 Camaro JW T400. JW told him it was caused by the solid mounts. I suspect the urethane engine mount might be hurting your cause, in the same fashion.

Bolt it to a dummy block for welding. Looking at it, it won't be easy. But for $800.00 (new case), I'm pretty sure I could figure it out.

I'd buy a new case, before I hung it from the pump bolts.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mike Rietow,
March 09, 2021, 01:41 PM
TD3550
Looks like it was welded before?? That the original 1000 series case? The newer cases are
considered as "Permanent Mold" structure. and thicker/stronger. That gaping crack. Weld it?

HE**** NO. Weld it, It will crack somewhere else.

Seen it hundreds of times with Aluminum and steel
stressed areas. Remember "Shiny Side always up"

It is your *** that in the seat. No one else.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TD3550,
March 09, 2021, 02:20 PM
Mike Rietow
quote:
Originally posted by TD3550:
Looks like it was welded before?? That the original 1000 series case? The newer cases are
considered as "Permanent Mold" structure. and thicker/stronger. That gaping crack. Weld it?

HE**** NO.
Weld it, It will crack somewhere else.

Seen it hundreds of times with Aluminum and steel
stressed areas. Remember "Shiny Side always up"

It is your *** that in the seat. No one else.


How bad do you want it! Laughing Hard

You're prolly right! Although, If I was broke and wanted to race, I'd bet I could figure out how to get the trans tail centered on the crank center-line to weld her up just fine.

I do think there's a mechanical issue here. I'd definitely wanna have that solved too.
March 09, 2021, 07:04 PM
Cashflow
Tracy Dennis told me once upon a time that contrary to popular belief this s—-t wears out.

If it’s that old I would save my money and buy a new case. Just my two cents. Oh yeah, fix the problem.


Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right. Here I am.......
March 09, 2021, 07:10 PM
rusty
bajo for a fact ihave welded one or more broken like that and worked fine.i have also used the bell on the front worked fine.when i broketail houseing it got bat to flex and being solid on rear mount.wheni broke bell houseingit was something up in that area that caused it.i think either fix would work,i would weld it.you need to really look for cause


honesty is the best policy,insanity is a better deffense
1.036, 6.16@ 224

March 09, 2021, 08:13 PM
banjo
Kinda feeling that as old as it is, maybe better to just replace it which was my first inclination when it happened.

Btw, anyone know what the deal with the wait times on Cases?

I think the next one I get will be a two piece.

So anyone think my current mount configuration has anything


Bill Simpkins
74 Nova
SBC 406
3240 pounds
Speierracing heads

60 1.27 (10/16)
1/8 6.03@111 (10/16)
Best 9.87@131 on the rev limitor 1 Feb 2013


nova

quarterpanelview

wheelie

FTI Converter
www.speierracingheads.com

March 09, 2021, 08:17 PM
Mike Rietow
quote:
Originally posted by banjo:
Kinda feeling that as old as it is, maybe better to just replace it which was my first inclination when it happened.

Btw, anyone know what the deal with the wait times on Cases?

I think the next one I get will be a two piece.

So anyone think my current mount configuration has anything
I've got a source for cases, the same case I run Transmission Specialties. Call your normal guy if you can't get one let me know. I keep hearing people can't get cases, I kinda doubt that because I can.

This is a Transmission Specialties case & billet VB I used on a PG for a guy, PTC 8" converter. They're nice cases.


March 09, 2021, 08:40 PM
Mike Rietow
They're nice, this is a Sonnax 1.69 extreme, supported pin, stock drum 5 clutches, 4 reverse, JW fast brake. TSI pan, TSI tail, 215psi @ 2000 plus rpms, 750hp plus, 3200 lb sbc car.

TSI high flow input shaft, 60 psi @ out cooler line, on the brake 4500 rpm's.... Stock band.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mike Rietow,
March 10, 2021, 06:41 AM
CURTIS REED
Bill from what I have read it's been foundry issues with the Reid cases. There are many foundries you can find to do sand castings, even less that do investment castings, then fewer yet that do permanent mold castings.

Since 2003 we have had 2 different foundries close and 5 total over the years. Regulations makes things pretty tough and finding help really drives a stake in them.



____________________________
2017 and 2018 Osage Casinos Tulsa Raceway Park No-Box Champion

2018 Div4 Goodguys Hammer award winner
March 10, 2021, 07:06 AM
adv ET 266
Bill, Just need to mention Reed will never recertify that case, so it will limit the tracks and events you race at. If that’s important, call Reed and see if they can help you out with replacement.



2005 2000lb 4 link dragster
home brew 582 BBC Dart 355
1.058
2.98
4.629@149
6.094
7.310@185

March 10, 2021, 07:46 AM
TD3550
As per TS site, Out of stock also.
March 10, 2021, 08:16 AM
Mike Rietow
quote:
Originally posted by TD3550:
As per TS site, Out of stock also.


How many do you need? Confused

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mike Rietow,