Magnesium bellhousing -- yes or no

[Payton King]

of the mag bellhousing. If I am not mistaken with the light clutch and flywheel, it may not generate enough force to go through the bellhousing, hence why they use them in NASCAR and most forms or road racing.

That was what I was told, but I have not researched it myself. If I have time a will make a few calls, but do not take my word for it.

[intocarss]

What's wrong with the scatter shield you have now? If it's just weight, drink lite beers, have one less burger or break out the sawzall and take weight out somewhere else.

Did you know that if you remove the 1/4 window crank assemblies you'll get 15-20# out, then pin the window back in and it won't cost you more then time and a couple of bucks

[Flash68]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

I think Prada makes a bell housing protector.... Or maybe it's Jimmy Choo?

I'll have Susie Q get right on that... With a budget limit of course!

Originally Posted by Payton King

of the mag bellhousing. If I am not mistaken with the light clutch and flywheel, it may not generate enough force to go through the bellhousing, hence why they use them in NASCAR and most forms or road racing.

That was what I was told, but I have not researched it myself. If I have time a will make a few calls, but do not take my word for it.

Payton, that's a good idea. Sometimes we are quick to ask all of our expert friends on the internet instead of calling the maker of the product!
I will call Tilton today.

Originally Posted by intocarss

What's wrong with the scatter shield you have now? If it's just weight, drink lite beers, have one less burger or break out the sawzall and take weight out somewhere else.

Did you know that if you remove the 1/4 window crank assemblies you'll get 15-20# out, then pin the window back in and it won't cost you more then time and a couple of bucks

Nothing wrong with it other than it's huge, heavy, banged up, made for a 11" clutch and likely not drilled for my throwout bearing, and weighs as much as a Torino.

I do like the window crank idea Jer... it's on the list.

[Flash68]

Talked to Tilton. Here's what I got:

Their aluminum and magnesium bells are not SFI rated because their applications do not require the certs.

They do not make steel anymore and only did because IMCA required it for awhile.

He has never in his 15 years seen or heard of any of the Tilton clutches exploding and going thru a bell.

The magnesium and aluminum bells would not sustain a hit of an exploding it was to happen, but these types of racing clutches are not the type that explode.

Their clutches are tested up to 26,000 rpm.
__________________________________________

Ok I feel better but not sure how much better...

Jerry, maybe that's why your picture is about 30 years old and black and white because these don't really explode anymore like he mentioned?

[Vegas69]

Never say never and never believe a manufacturer when they say never.

[badmatt]

Originally Posted by Flash68

Yeah that does seem to be the case after further review.

Matt, you still gonna run a blanket with your 4 speed?



I concur!

over the trans? no, over bell? yes.

[intocarss]

Originally Posted by Flash68

Talked to Tilton. Here's what I got:

Their aluminum and magnesium bells are not SFI rated because their applications do not require the certs.

They do not make steel anymore and only did because IMCA required it for awhile.

He has never in his 15 years seen or heard of any of the Tilton clutches exploding and going thru a bell.

The magnesium and aluminum bells would not sustain a hit of an exploding it was to happen, but these types of racing clutches are not the type that explode.

Their clutches are tested up to 26,000 rpm.
__________________________________________

Ok I feel better but not sure how much better...

Jerry, maybe that's why your picture is about 30 years old and black and white because these don't really explode anymore like he mentioned?

LOL I talked today with a couple of transmission guys and they seem to think that a Mag bell housing is strong enough to hold a exploding clutch I even called Quartermaster to ask if it is stronger then a scattershield http://www.quartermasterusa.com/qm/m...smissions.html

And the Tech said "a mag bell housing is NOT SFI approved but NASCAR does run them up to 11,000 rpm" so take that for what's it worth

HEY what do I know, I ran a powerglide with an air shifter LOL. I did spend $1500 on a Reid case cuz i like my legs. So yes i stand corrected

[TheJDMan]

Have any of you ever seen magnesium burn? I have and I can tell you it ain't pretty. Back in the 70's I remember a sprint car crash at a local 1/2mile dirt tack where half the field got tangled up on the front straight. One car caught fire and ignited five or six others. Once they got hot enough the magnesium wheels caught fire and there was no putting out the fire after that. All cars were destroyed, several drivers were badly burned and one burned to death. I would never consider magnesium parts in any build after witnessing that tragedy.

[FETorino]

Originally Posted by Flash68

Nothing wrong with it other than it's huge, heavy, banged up, made for a 11" clutch and likely not drilled for my throwout bearing, and weighs as much as a Torino.
:

Well if it's that light then why not run it.

[intocarss]

Originally Posted by TheJDMan

Have any of you ever seen magnesium burn? I have and I can tell you it ain't pretty. Back in the 70's I remember a sprint car crash at a local 1/2mile dirt tack where half the field got tangled up on the front straight. One car caught fire and ignited five or six others. Once they got hot enough the magnesium wheels caught fire and there was no putting out the fire after that. All cars were destroyed, several drivers were badly burned and one burned to death. I would never consider magnesium parts in any build after witnessing that tragedy.

I've seen it, I used to have cans of magnesium chips and would light piles of chips on fire then drip or spray water on it.. It was like the 4th of July it would leave holes in the concrete too. I do believe they banned Mag wheels in racing because of fire