Which flywheel do I need?

[Chillin014]

I'm either going to have to modify my long tube headers or get some shorties. I went to test fit the bellhousing but the header was interfering with the slave mounting flange. I also thought it looked kind of like the starter was going to be too big to fit in the bellhousing, has anyone heard of a problem of that nature with these swaps? It could have just been an illusion.

edit-

looks like i'll be buying a new starter

 

[megaladon6]

are you have the proper starter to match the flexplate/flywheel? and that you're using the proper bolt holes? also, some blocks have a staggered pattern (officially) but if you look quickly it looks like it's an inline mount.

 

[Chillin014]

are you have the proper starter to match the flexplate/flywheel? and that you're using the proper bolt holes? also, some blocks have a staggered pattern (officially) but if you look quickly it looks like it's an inline mount.

Sorry, i didnt understand that first question. The current starter I have wont fit in the bellhousing like it should. It fits but the mounting holes dont line up. I'm thinking that if I go buy an el camino starter for a manual transmission with the smaller nose it will work. I just have to remember to try to get a 153 tooth starter to match the flywheel and cross my fingers that everything lines up like it should. 🙂

 

[megaladon6]

i just meant the flywheel tooth count--apparently 153 tooth in this case.

 

[Chillin014]

Ohhh I see what you are saying now about the starter bolt pattern, I had no idea they changed that in some years. After mild worry I have discovered that my block has the extra bolt hole for the inline bolt pattern so I"ll just get the 153 tooth inline starter and be done with it!

 

[jae]

still looking for a flywheel. Almost bought one today but the guy never called me back

Is there any reason this one wont work?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SBC-...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2ea9a5404a

edit- Just bought it.

I do have a question / comment and am wondering why no one else brought this up - but why go with a used flywheel? Considering you're going through all this hassle & pain, why take a chance on a used flywheel, especially this one as it has heat soak / check marks on it, and is hella old? Not trying to rain on your parade and wish I would've caught this thread before you bought it, but you may be taking a chance on this. If it hasn't been resurfaced (you really don't want to sand the clutch-surface areas), thoroughly checked you may get chatter from it, leading to the very least eating the clutch material. I know you're on a budget but sometimes you have to bite the bullet, save a little more and buy brand new.

If you haven't done it at least get the flywheel checked before you install for the last time.

But in any event good luck and keep posting pics and progress.

 

[pontiacgp]

new or used wasn't the issue...5 pages ago he just didn't know what flywheel he needed

 

[jae]

new or used wasn't the issue...5 pages ago he just didn't know what flywheel he needed

I know what the issue was, read the title and the entire thread (which I always do), but thanks for the clarification. 😛

The thing is buying a used flywheel versus a new one, especially one that you don't know how it was used /abused. Why go through all the work of setting this up, only having to take most of it apart because the flywheel is no good? It's like reusing a throwout bearing, a pinion seal, a rear main seal or junkyard rotors that are thin. Been there, seen and done it. According to the ebay ad, the flywheel has heat soak spots / checks in it, something you don't want. Sure, you can resurface it, but you can only go so far. But to each his/her own.

When doing certain things it's best to just take the hit and buy brand new, unless you're working on something rare and the parts aren't available so you're forced to reuse old parts.

 

[pontiacgp]

I totally agree with you on staying away from used parts and some of those great deals out there are just waiting for the next sucker to jump at it.....that being said I use used parts but they come off circle track track cars that have run a few races and as far as a clutch they only use the clutch to get going in short track but I still put a new clutch in since I get them dirt cheap..

 

[Chillin014]

Trust me, I know what yall are saying. But I have my reasoning for being cheap (christmas, for one). I wanted to get this done and together as fast as possible but my budget doesnt really allow for me to drop hundreds of dollars in a week, so I am pinching. I knew the flywheel was one thing I could save money on and just as I expected, other unplanned-for items had to be purchased.

I just spent 65 bucks on a starter, and now I am having a big clearance issue with the header that I am not sure I am going to be able to modify...and may be dropping another 150+ on headers. Those are things I just couldn't find used if I wanted to, and I did try.

I dont have unrealistic expectations for how this turns out, but clutch chatter isn't really at the top of my worries. This is one of 3 project cars I have so I dont drive it but a few times a month and have no problem taking it apart again either. In fact...I'll be happy if clutch chatter is my worst problem, because the input shaft had some play that was bothering me and I'm also weary of how this clutch pedal deal is going to work out.

thanks for the concern though, I'll definitely check the flywheel out. It will most likely be replaced in the future regardless. The only reason I am even able to do this swap is because I got such a good deal on the transmission and parts ($350)