The Chevy "383" is an aluminum 153 tooth bellhousing with a 4 5/8" center
hole. This makes it compatible with all GM car 4 speeds (Muncie,Saginaw,T-10), except the 1963 small bearing retainer transmissions.
This part number should not be confused with the 1963 Chevy II 3788383 bellhousing.
Front View
One example I own has two untapped Z bar stud provisions. The other example has no bosses.
Part #
Part number, date circle and mold number are cast into the clutch fork hole knockout on the passenger side.
Top View
This view shows the top with the GM logo cast just above the transmission mounting flange.
Fork Side
Fork hole is the same as Most Chevrolet aluminum clutch housings, and accepts the 14007355 rubber fork boot.
Inside
This picture shows the typical inside webbing, and the straight starter side that identifies it as a 153 tooth bellhousing. These housings utilize a stamped steel inspection cover that is
attached via the four 1/4"-20 tapped holes along the bottom edge.
Bottom View
In the Chevrolet parts manuals dated after 1980 ALL 3858403 part number bells are followed by this notation ( IDENT. NO. 3840383 ). I
was under the impression that the "383" bellhousing was the early part.
This may be in reference to the bell that has 383 cast on the clutch fork ball stud boss of some bells.
Applications per the 1938-1965 Chevrolet Parts Catalog, Effective October 1, 1964
0.683 HOUSING ASSY.
| 64-65 | G-10...........HOUSING ASSY., clutch (Ident. No. 3840383).................3841551 |
Disclaimer:
Factory correct applications are your responsibility.
GM made part and part # changes with no rhyme but a reason (no production interruptions at any cost).
Application charts are for replacement parts that were available at the time of parts book printing.
My observations come from the parts I have in my collection or other reliable sources. Your parts may differ.
If Factory correctness is your goal, do more research, join car clubs and forums and buy an assembly manual if one is available for your Project Car (you wont be sorry).
This is a fun and interesting part of the hobby!
