When my dad sand plasted my bell for me, he wasn't too carefull and looks like he blew a bunch of the threads out where the trans bolts up. Took me a while to find this bell( the elusive one that will fit the 11" clutch...and no its not a truck bell:D ) How well do Heli-coils work in this location. It looks like there is enough material on the outside of the hole to do it. Also i would say 3 of the 4 look damaged. will more than one heli-coil be bad? Thanks in advance- Eric

you should have zero problems.....i have had to helicoil a bell before...i used to short of bolts and the threads pulled right out....i would do all 4 bolts and not ever worry about them giving you grief again

Heli-coils are the way to go. I would do it even if they were in good shape. If you look at most race applications where aluminum is used blocks, heads, etc. , most will heli-coil all the threads. This eliminates thread wear with a "virgin" Al hole. Go for it!!

This eliminates thread wear with a "virgin" Al hole. Go for it!!

Why did you call him an Al hole? :D

Why did you call him an Al hole? :D

And a virgin Al hole at that! ;)

eric,

heli coils will make it stronger than it was originally
I even heli coiled a thermostat housing on an aluminum manifold and that has still had zero problems
heli coil is the way to go
and do all four while you are at it

Thanks for all the replies. 4 Heli-coils it is.:thumbsup:

When my dad sand plasted my bell for me, he wasn't too carefull and looks like he blew a bunch of the threads out where the trans bolts up.

When your Dad sandblasted your bellhousing, I would strongly guess these holes were messed up already. You most likely didn't catch them before because they were dirty or clogged. Be glad your Dad helps, you are quite lucky!

Regards, Jody

When your Dad sandblasted your bellhousing, I would strongly guess these holes were messed up already. You most likely didn't catch them before because they were dirty or clogged. Be glad your Dad helps, you are quite lucky!

Regards, Jody

Trust me, i am very appretiative:)

Yep, I agree, the threads were probably bad to begin with. Helicoil them and be done with it!