A518 BB Adaotor plate vs bell housing

[ff6849]

When installing an A518 behind a 440 which is the better option, the adaptor plate or splicing on new bell housing, I have a friend who is a pretty savvy transmission guy, he thinks it cutting off the old housing and bolting on a different bell housing creates a potential for leaks and weakens the case. He prefers using the adaptor plate what do you all think, or should I get new friend 

And why does the adaptor plate cost so dang much.     

[ff6849]

No one has an opinion on this

[Aussie Challenger]

When installing an A518 behind a 440 which is the better option, the adaptor plate or splicing on new bell housing, I have a friend who is a pretty savvy transmission guy, he thinks it cutting off the old housing and bolting on a different bell housing creates a potential for leaks and weakens the case. He prefers using the adaptor plate what do you all think, or should I get new friend 

And why does the adaptor plate cost so dang much.     

Unfortunately there won't be many adapters made, they take a bit of work to make and set up to be accurate therefore cost more. I read somewhere that a bell-housing was adapted to an A518 but cannot find it, bolted up to the pump housing from memory.

[ff6849]

that's my concern that they do bolt to the pump housing, putting stresses on something that wasn't design to take that type of stress. 

[Chryco Psycho]

an adapter plate if availble should be ok , usually they are 1" or less thick & allow the trans to bolt onto the plate & block which is basiaclly a very strong design overall