Automaticfastic

iTrader: (11)

I broke my tranny and I will be buying a built 4l60e for my ls1. But im confused about the whole bell housing thing. My buddy is going to swap the tranny's for me. He hasnt done an ls1 before but he has done others. Doese the bell housing need to come off for the swap or how does that whole thing work? I have heard its a bitch to get off. Or doese the tranny seperate from that and u leave it on and put the new tranny on that? Obviously im not bright when it comes to cars, I just drive em. Any adivce would help, Thanks.

RICEETER

iTrader: (49)

does the tranny you're buying come with a bell housing or not?

9000th01ss

iTrader: (10)

If you have an LS1 transmission just bolt it back up.
If you're thinking of putting an LS1 bellhousing on a non LS1 transmission there are a few more things to replace like the input shaft/drum, and a few more things.

I you buy a built LS1 trans without a bell housing you need to take yours off with the right torx plus bit, this bit is made by Sonnax and designed for this transmission. You cannot use a regular torx bit.

382ssz28

iTrader: (24)

According to the ATSG, the f-body is its own bellhousing. Others can be used. It's hard to get off due to the Torx bolts. The Snap-on part# is FTX47E and is a T47 bit. It is not a true torx because the flutes are rounded and is designed for the LS1 style trans. Tap the 8 bolts firmly with a hammer and brass dowel. This will loosen the bolts just enough to break them loose with a 3' breakerbar. If you use an impact, you will surely break the torx bit. I break down 3-5 units a day and this works great. If you are doing this once, go to a trans shop and have them remove the bellhousing. If not, invest in the socket. Hope this helps. PS, I believe the drum and other things to replace are the 300mm style, (98-up). Some of the early inputs are the 298mm, up to 2000. This would be important for the ordering of your converter.

Automaticfastic

iTrader: (11)

So if I buy a tranny with a bellhousing then im fine? And I wont have to buy that part and take it off right? I will be using the 4l60e on my ls1.

RICEETER

iTrader: (49)

you dont have to buy any expensive part. i've taken 5 bellhousings off with an el cheapo T50 torx bit from advance auto. just grind about a 1/16" off the end of it, and "VIOLA"!!! you just turned a $3 bit into a $20 bit. haven't had a problem yet

Automaticfastic

iTrader: (11)

Thanks guys this is good info I can use to tell my buddy. Cause I wont be getting my hands dirty........ I cant even change my spark plugs on the ls1.

Automaticfastic

iTrader: (11)

If you take off the front pump, my buddy asked do you have to change any seals?

9000th01ss

iTrader: (10)

You have to remove the bellhousing to get the pump out without tearing the pump o ring.
If you take that off you should get a new o-ring, and pump gasket at least, and maybe the pump bolt o rings.
I hope you have good luck, sounds like you're going to need it.

BOA279

iTrader: (1)

you can get a overhaul gasket kit with every seal in the tranny for about $20...the bit you need is a torx PLUS bit (T50) ..check ebay or sponsors for both