glide users step in

looking to step up to a glide....i have a line on one that has the JWcase.the JW case looks huge compared to the reid ..anyone have any clearance issues putting one in using a factory ebody floorboard?also i need a bell ive heard the reid ones are setup for 1/4"midplate are the JW ones the same?i want to go with the least amount of hassle...i currently use 1/8"

Im not sure about the physical size, but the jw case is way worse in quality.

I would look into the reid forsure.

yes i know reid is better the JW is local and would save me thousands just like to know about clearance issues and bell fitment.anyone else???

I have one in a a body fits fine.

[quote=1967dartgt]I have one in a a body fits fine. [/q

what do you use for midplate? 1/4?JW bell?how was torque conv fitment?

The midplate dimension is all on the converter not the the Bell housing. You just have to make sure the converter manufacturer knows what midplate you are running.

My current set-up is a JW Bell to Mopar Block with 1/8" steel midplate JW Ultra Case, Continental Converter.

[quote=Biginchmopar]The midplate dimension is all on the converter not the the Bell housing. You just have to make sure the converter manufacturer knows what midplate you are running.

My current set-up is a JW Bell to Mopar Block with 1/8" steel midplate JW Ultra Case, Continental Converter. [/quot

thats what i thought but according to Hutch the reid case it is in the bell.guess ill just get a JW bell then..........

Well I have run the JW stuff Case and bell in the Cuda for years with no issues. I now run ATI case in one car with a Mopar bell and a Reid case in the other. Converter manufacturer has just asked what mid plate dimentions are never the bell or case.

ok Al thx i just didnt want to get into any BS.

JW case has had issues
Reid or ATI or Scummit case made by one of them is way to go--That JW is just plain ugly and they had all kinds of issues for a while so how do you know you aren't getting one of the "bad " cases

There are several variables.

Depending on whose stuff you use. Whether you want starter shims or not.

Originally mopar had the starter ring on converter. With JW wheel you have a crank adapter that spaces the flexplate out for proper converter clearance. By doing this the starter ring is closer to block requiring starter shims. They did not know how thick you needed due to midplates or not and sent a stack.

ATI makes their bell with their flexplate and crank spacer that also provides the 1.705" converter pilot.

REID made their bells in the beginning and offered flex plates with their sokution requiring no starter spacers. Customers switching from JW kits complained about the longer length so REID updated their bell shorter.

Their is two common ways to do this.

Use JW wheel and crank adapter with Reid bell then use JW starter shims.(I'm not in favor of this because it's a bandaid) A lot of big converter companies recommend this.

Use a standard a direct bolt in flexplate order converter with a larger mopar pilot or mopar to gm adapter and add JW starter shims.

With a 1/4" midplate covering starter pocket with Reid bell with the correct flexplate adapter you can use a standard height gm converter and everything fits.

I just removed a JW bell and trans. Installed Reid bell and trans. Used customers JW wheel and remade his crank adapter and a off the shelf standard height gm converter fits with .140" endplay.

So no REID's don't just bolt right up. ATI does, JW with the right combo of starter shims, and REID with the correct flexplate, crank spacer and starter spacer. I hate starter spacers so I have my way of accomplishing spacing that is just like my bellhousing kits for R5 nascar engines. But, you call your converter guy and tell him you have a midplate and you are screwed.

ATI and Reid are both great sources for bellhousings. BTE and QuickTime use Reid transmission patterns so I chose Reid when designing the R5 to aftermarket case. ATI T400 has both ati and reid boltpattern, for information.

if it wasnt coming from the person in question i would pass....he has used this particular case and is going to build it for me to my spex.if something falls through i will deffinately go with the reid.

I have had to shim the starter on all BUT the Reid case..So your mileage may vary.

I have also used the ATI and TCI midplate adapters and used GM Bells. IMO that is the best way to go for me. Allows me to be able to find a spare at the track when traveling as I quit carrying a spare with me.

I have all ATI components. case, bell, tail shaft housing and ring gear. Everything just bolts up and fits as it should. 69 GTX 540 Hemi. low 9s @140

ok should i use the Reid bell with the JW case if i go that route?ATI sounds like a nice piece anyone have any pix?

I think the starter thing depends on the flexplate used. I have a Meziere and the starter is a joke. Otherwise the Reid stuff is excellent.

Do the afternarket bells bolt on a std pg case?

Not sure on that but I think that they would...

Reid bells bolt to Reid and BTE cases. And with a reducer ring ATI t400.

They will not bolt directly to your JW case. JW bells bolt through pump bolts.

Reid and ATI have a seperate flange.

JW is no comparison to Reid or ATI. Reid has no internal sheild and the flange is heavier duty.

If your using a jw case this is all a wasted discussion

thx Leon.....looks like i have another option on the table a ATI proglide straight cut 1.80...watta you guys think?

Sounds good!

I have a TS version of the ATI glide. Has Mopar bell which was a mistake on my part that I wont do again as my block has Mopar and GM bolt patterns