Build my own adapter

This might fit better in the fab section, but I guess I will start it here anyway....
I have access to all of the needed equipment (depending on what has to be done) and the know how (cutting, welding, machining, etc.) to do most all fab work. So my questions is this: Why can't I make my own adapter to go from my newly acquired 4.3 chevy v-6 to my original T-90 trans? Won't it be simply a plate that has holes lining up with either end's bolt pattern?
Also, If this is a possibility, should I use steel and be able to get away with a thinner design than the ~2" thickness of the novak or 4wd hardware aluminum adapters? This would allow me to not have to replace the input shaft in turn saving some dinero!
Or am I totally smoking some funky fumes and just shell out the $250 bucks for the 4wd hardware adapter and related hardware?

 

If you've got access to a machine shop and the skills, I don't know why you couldn't do this sort of thing. That's how people did it before you could buy aftermarket adapters...

 

I took the old bellhousing (231 buick) off of the t-90 a few minutes ago to see about making this new adapter. Much to my suprise, the 4.3 chevy bell that I have for the new motor matches the bolt pattern exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
But what are the odds of this happening? Does that mean that there was already an adapter there for the old bellhousing?

 

Yes.
Nickmil

 

I am alittle confused as to what clutch that I need to use now. I have a flywheel for the 4.3 chevy motor and the clutch (in so, so shape) from the 231 buick. Will I be able to use that clutch and trowout bearing/fork or will I need to get a chevy clutch?

 

chevy pressure plate, disk the same dia. as the pp w/ hole and splines to match input, adapter pilot bearing and throwout with i.d. to match t90 bearing retainer and bearing surface to match fingers of pp.

check novak's site should have all the info you need.

 

The adapter for GM is the same on the transmission end, BOP or Chevy. The bell depth is the same too, as you discovered. That adapter fits many different engines - I4s, I6s, V6s and V8s.