[phoenixpnr]

I am gathering parts to install a '57 347 for a old hot rod project.
I have an engine that still has the auto trans hooked up to it, but I want to run a manual trans. I found a bellhousing that the guy thinks is right. It looks like the right bolt pattern on the engine side, but I'm not sure what transmission will bolt to it. I would prefer to run a muncie or T-10, but the mounting area looks a little small?
Any help would be great!
Thanks

[Repoman]

55-57 bellhousing use a smaller trans snout mounting. You want to use a 58-60 bellhousing, or earlier trans.

[Bill Eveland]

Not so common as the muncie & t-10, but the 56-57 6 bolt top cover 3 speed is still a decent trans. But finding a floor shifter setup for what your doing would be alot harder.

Here's some pics that Py member Larry Gorden has posted before to show the differance in the bellhousings. 58-60 on the left, 55-57 on the right.

[marks73ta]

phoenixpnr--you have a PM. Mark L

[Safari Larry]

Go to www.PontiacSafari.com and click on "Pontiac Garage". Under the heading "Component Identification and Description", click on "Manual Transmissions".

I think you'll find all the info you need there including how to adapt the rear motor mounts on the 1958-60 bell housing to the '57 Hydramatic cross member.

Then when you get ready for more HP, a 59 or 60 389 engine is a bolt-in replacement for the 57 engine.

I have dreams of a 57 Pontiac resto-rod but probably will not get it done in this life time. 57 is a good year not only because it looks cool but also it has a strong rear end.

[phoenixpnr]

Thanks for all the great info guys!
Safari Larry, the 389 sounds good and I have a '60 motor. I am also trying to get a 58 fuelie manifold from another guy, would the 58 manifold fit either engine? I am real familiar with 65 and later pontiacs, but I'm not so sure on the earlier ones. I believe that 61-64 intakes are very similar and 58-60, but I had heard that 57 manifolds were one year only? If I can get the fuelie manifold and it will fit the '60 and not the 347, that's the way I will go.
Any help would be great!

[Safari Larry]

1955-60 carburetor intake manifolds will work on 1955-60 heads and vice versa. However ports are smaller on 1955-56 manifolds and heads. Other differences between years are in attachment interfaces for carburetor(s), generator mounting, power steering pump, and external water ports.

I don't know about the FI heads. There is something different about them and I don't know what it is. The '58 FI heads are same casting as carburetor heads but they have an XX stamped on them which I think means something special was done to them in machining. See http://www.pontiacsafari.com/L1Garag...dex.html#Heads.

The FI manifolds are in two parts, the FI part and the water manifold part. The water manifold connects the water ports on the front of heads to upper radiator hose.

Interface between the manifold/head water ports changed in 1961 but bolt pattern and gas ports remained the same (I think). The water port difference prevents using 1955-60 manifolds on later heads and vice versa. See http://www.pontiacsafari.com/L1Garag...ntakeManifolds.

I wouldn't even consider using a '58 FI unit on anything other than a '58 restoration. The '58 FI units are rare, I think only around 400 of them were made, making them somewhat valuable for restoring a '58 to "correct" FI. There is probably good reason that so few of them were made and '58 was the last year. Getting parts for a '58 FI unit would likely be a big problem.

[phoenixpnr]

Thanks Safari Larry, for the info!
I'll have to see what happens with availability on the FI intake.

[Charlie Jones]

Originally Posted by phoenixpnr

Thanks Safari Larry, for the info!
I'll have to see what happens with availability on the FI intake.

If you can't get the special distributor that came with the FI setup, Then the FI manifold will be completely useless to you. The fuel pressure pump in the metering assembly was driven off the ignition distributor.
A fellow by the name of Jack Podell from Indiana is probably the "go to " guy for Rochester FI units. He advertises in Hemmings Motor News.

[Charlie Jones]

Originally Posted by phoenixpnr

Thanks Safari Larry, for the info!
I'll have to see what happens with availability on the FI intake.

If you can't get the special distributor that came with the FI setup, Then the FI manifold will be completely useless to you. The fuel pressure pump in the metering assembly was driven off the ignition distributor.
A fellow by the name of Jack Podell from Indiana is probably the "go to " guy for Rochester FI units. He advertises in Hemmings Motor News.

[Repoman]

Do you have a '60 389 or a '57 347? You are stating two different things.

[phoenixpnr]

Originally Posted by Repoman

Do you have a '60 389 or a '57 347? You are stating two different things.

I have both, I was originally planning on running the 347, but if the FI intake wouldn't fit then I would go with the 69 389. But it sounds like I could go either way.

[53texponcho]

If you want to use a 4 speed trans on the 57 engine you'll need a 59 or 60 bellhousing to match up to the engine and bolt up to a 4 speed. the earlier bellhousing won't work.

[Jack Gifford]

Should have said '58 -60.

[Rocky 389]

The tranny mounting surface should look like this..will mount any "late" GM transmissions.