holes in my transmission

[Richard Holler]

While inspecting a bad oil leak (valve cover) which appears to have contaminated my starter, I noticed some of these holes in my tranny which look like they were drilled. What would be the purpose of this?

[Richard Shilling]

My guess: at some point the clutch was stuck and they drilled holes to remove the bolts on the pressure plate.

[Richard Holler]

My guess: at some point the clutch was stuck and they drilled holes to remove the bolts on the pressure plate.

That makes sense, what solutions would there be in regards to repair or covering the holes; maybe some sort of adhesive vent cover?

[Richard Shilling]

The "right" repair. Remove engine, remove transmission. Find a vendor with an old, no good transmission case (Hello Adam), send it to a talented welder, cut pieces to fit and weld in place. Alternative "not right" repair. Carefully clean the grease and scratch the surface around the hole. Cut to shape, glue them on with epoxy to keep water and dirt out.

[Mike Wilson]

I would add that if the case is not original to your car, get a replacement case and have the gears, etc. transferred to the new case.

Mike

[Don Gale]

"If it aint broke, don't fix it"

[Ron LaDow]

"If it aint broke, don't fix it"

+1
Looks like they've been there a while with no harm. I sure wouldn't drop the eng/trans to fix that; wait 'till they have to come out for other reasons.

[Richard Holler]

it is original and I guess it keeps the clutch cooler. I just fear debris may enter at some point. Thanks for all the insight...

[Mike Wilson]

Maybe cover with that aliminum tape?

Mike

[Don Gale]

Clean it with acetone and a wire brush. Wipe it dry, JB Weld patches of stainless mesh and call it good. appreciate the "ventilated" clutch upgrade.

[Ron LaDow]

[...] I just fear debris may enter at some point. [...]

https://www.classicchevy.com/chevy-bell ... 20Products
I drove my hot-rod Chev through snow, stream fords and whatever else you got in Cinti in the '60s; had no problems with debris.
Just a guess on my part, but the full-surround design was intended to assure the engine stayed there without a rear support.
(and before any wise guys point out the 9XX designs, a missing bell-housing bottom would ruin the vertical beam strength of the engine/trans assembly)