This might be chassis specific (I'm swapping an LS2/T56 into an E36 BMW) but I've read that by not installing the top bellhousing bolt, removing the trans while it's in the car can be a lot less difficult. Good idea? Bad idea? Personal experiences?

Any feedback?

Tipsy

 

A lot of people have run older transmissions that don't have a hole for that bolt and have been fine.

 

Leave it out, I did. Total nightmare to remove transmission with it.

 

Leave it out. Wont hurt a thing

 

How many are you guys left with actually bolted to the motor? When I mocked up my motor and trans with the set back plates the top left (driver side ) was very close and hard to get to it seemed.

 

If you have a 4l60e from an ls engine there 8 total, so you would still have 7 in it. If you're using an older trans that doesn't bolt to the oil pan you would have 6 total and with one left out you'd have 5 holding it on.

 

Okay, I'm sold. I'll leave the top bolt out.

Thanks for the feedback.

Tipsy

 

I have a 4l80e going into my Monte Carlo.

 

Ls 4l80e or an older one? The Ls style have a cast aluminum flywheel cover that also has 2 bolts that bolt into the oil pan, so you would have a total of 8 with one missing7. An older 4l80e will be just like an older 4l60e where you would have 6 and with one missing 5.