Buick 231 Engine tranny question

I finally got around to finding the casting on my engine block. 1261438 From the casting number reference, this is a 78 buick, even fire. The reference here says Turbo charged... I don't see anything that would make me think that this engine is turbo charged. Either way, the engine seems to run great. No issues as of yet, but I crawled underneath to get a better look at the brakes/MC and I noticed that there is no cover over the flywheel. The only Tranny work I've ever done was a R&R on an old cadillac when i was in high school, and i remember there being a cover on the bellhousing that protects the flywheel. My T-90 bolts up to the engine with a spacer block, so I assume this is the reason that the old bell housing cover is gone. My question is, should i bend up a piece of sheet metal to cover the exposed portion of the flywheel, or is this totally normal and acceptable?

 

I've been running mine with no cover for years but I don't recommend it. Too easy for mud, sticks, etc etc to get up in there. I have a reason for leaving mine off but if I know I'm heading for mud, I put it on.

 

I'd recommend putting a cover on it. It helps tremendously with keeping debris out of the clutch assembly as wheelie said.
Also make sure you have a dust boot around the release arm as well.

 

Where can I buy one of these tin pieces? I need one too.

 

There's different ones depending on which bellhousing you are using. For example, most Buick car bellhousings use a stamped plate that covers the bottom front of the bellhousing and has a bend and covers a semi-circle hole in the bottom with a few more bolts. The stock 225 Jeep bellhousing uses a stamped steel plate that covers just the front. I sent a template to another member here, can't remember who. I could make another I suppose, scan it, and post it up if enough interest. There is a vendor who is having ones made that "fit" the 225 bellhousing but I hesitate to say who as I've had several extremely bad experiences with him.