Who can make custom bellhousings/adapter plates in VIC?

[mitsugalant]

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone here knows of any good specialist places that could make a custom bellhousing or adapter plate? Particularly if someone has used someone before.
I am aware of Dellow in NSW and CRS already. Thought i'd seek someone in Melbourne before trying those two.

Reason I ask is I am considering using a non-toyota engine in my RN40 Hilux - a non-mainstream motor.

Thanks in advance.

[Sam_Q]

I wouldn't suggest anything from Dellows. I would think that the price of getting a one off adapter plate made would be disproportionly more than getting a pre-made bellhouisng

[mitsugalant]

Thanks for the tip. Ideally i'd rather a custom bellhousing. I thought i'd ask about other places before consulting Dellows or CRS - have had conflicting reports of how good their stuff is.

My idea is that I would like to use a Saab GM900 or 9000 turbo 2.0/2.3 in my RN40 hilux. Before anyone laughs - I have worked on these engines for most of my working life in the trade - and have a healthy respect or them. They can be had at an affordable price, and tuning support is simply brilliant (have experience this in my GM900 I had years ago). I would be running it pretty stock, as torque wise they are good for their size.
I have always wanted to RWD one of them (most likely a Caterham/Locost style car) but my Hilux would be an easier and worthy recipient.
Ideally hoping a celica 5 speed would be strong enough for a standard setup, or would go to a supra box.

Keep the suggestions coming.

[andrew_mx83]

i can make you an adaptor plate, but as sam says it wont be cheap....

pm me if you are interested

[Sam_Q]

well I assumed you where asking for something these shops keep on the shelf. If you are doing a custom job then I wouldn't expect an engineering shop would charge that much different from those conversion places.

I advised against Dellows as I have personally seen and had multiple reports of terrible workmanship, non functional parts and lastly I hear they are rather apathetic about their very sub-standard work.

However I can vouch for Andrews workmanship, nice to see someone with some sort of pride in their work.

[mitsugalant]

Thanks guys - someone like Andrew_mx83 was what I was after. Particularly with a positive reference.

I will be sending PM.

[Hen]

Are you sure there aren't off-the-shelf options? The Swedes build some crazy cars, so I'm sure a RWD'ed Saab engine isn't unknown over there. It'd make life far easier.

I got curious and had a quick Google and found this thread, which while being UK based, may still have some useful tips (though given my non-existant Saab knowledge, may also be beside the point).

Hen

[mitsugalant]

I did have a look online for off the shelf options - all the ones I found were for european market gearboxes, bar one which was for a T5. I would prefer to use a Toyota box if possible.