DusterTeen asked a question about the transmission brace that hooks onto the side of the block and lands on the tranny beneath the starter.

I heard a short debate about this bracket. A, "Is it really necessary?" sort of thing.

For rigidity, and to provide more support for the transmission, it makes sense that it "Does something."

Any feedback on the bracket's utility? Is it a needed part, or is it redundant?

CJ

_________________
Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

I have seen one 904 that was cracked , right off the driver's side 7/16 - 14 engine mounting hole, that cracked trans was mounted to an engine with-out using said bracket.

I always use these brackets but I do not like the way they trap the torque converter dust shield under them... I notch-out the dust cover so it can be removed with-out taking-out the bolts that connect the support bracket to the trans.

I would love to find someone with a CNC plasma cutter that could cut a few large "weight reduction" holes into these brackets, more to make one look cool then to shave-off a bunch of weight.
DD

That answers that question!

Thanks Doc!

CJ

_________________
Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

I feel that the bracket is more of a support member to evenly spread the weight of the engine / trans assembly around the bellhousing mounting area. The car that had the cracked bell looked like it had been "bush-wacked" (driven off-road) pretty hard.
Any type of "air", with a hard landing will put a lot of stress on the engine to trans joint and bellhousing rim so you want to use as many mounting points as possible to help spread-out the load.
DD

As a follow up for new members or guys that are doign swaps, there are 3 types of these brackets and they are a bit different...

Automatic transmission to Engine Bracket
3/4 spd bellhousing to engine bracket (it's a bit more curved)
11" clutch bellhousing to Engine bracket (truck/van)

I think this got covered a while back when someone found out that their bracket wouldn't fit when going from an auto to a manual...

FYI,

-D.Idiot

Adding to what Doc said about off-roading, the only cases I have seen broken were ones in cars with trans brakes and slicks that did not have the brace installed. I have not seen a foot brake/street tire car break a case yet.

_________________
Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.