I have just removed the engine and transmission from my first project car. I removed all of the bolts that hold the transmission to the engine block. HOwever, I can't figure out how to separate the transmission from the block so that I can bolt the engine onto a stand. The transmission is a B&M Hydrostick and the engine a 1957 Oldsmobile 371. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks - JB

I have only done this once, 20 years ago, but there were about thirty bolts through the flywheel that attached the torque converter. Check to see if there is a cover on the bottom of the bell housing that will allow access

I take it you meant three bolts and that is right, you will have to turn the engine over so you can get access to the bolts.. I think the torque converter would come out attached to the flywheel but it may need to turn first

Mine was a 370 Pontiac, but there were many bolts holding the torque converter to the flywheel, I don't think the Torque Converter will just slide free,
Good Luck

You should definitely separate the torque converter from the flex plate before pulling the tranny off. The bolts should be visible when you remove the inspection plate. The tranny is held in position by dowels which can be stubborn, but a little wiggling and a few careful whacks with a soft faced hammer, if necessary should get it off.

If memory serves, the hydro didn't have torque converter. It had a fluid coupling. The front cover had the integral ring gear and bolted to the crank flange. There were a multitude of bolts which held the back cover/fluid coupling "pump" to the front cover. The driven pump was fixed to the input shaft with a large nut. So you have to remove the bolting which holds the back cover to the front cover.

Yup, many early auto's, US, Australian and European had a fluid flywheel not a torque convertor - no stator. Go easy, leave the hammers to the carpenters.

I believe a 57 will be a Jetaway trans. If it is, there are 4 bolts holding the fluid coupling to the flex plate. There are 32 bolts holding the fliud coupling together, but you don't have to remove but 4 of them. If it's a slant pan hydro, you have to remove all 32 bolts

This is definitely one of those threads with a subject that can help the younger generations learn something about early hotrodding.

I'm always trying to learn, does anyone have any pictures?

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The flex plate has 4 ears that attach to the flywheel. undo those 4 nuts and the trans will fall out. This trans is very heavy(about 250#). Be careful 'cuz those flywheel teeth have sharp edges. My first car was a "57 rocket 88 with the 371 /4 barrel.

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