myvmax1

I'm sure this question has been asked before but I've done my search and been givin mixed results so I'll just ask for myself. OK, I have a 91 Camaro RS, T5 trans, bone stock. I will be pulling the motor/trans for a trans rebuild and short throw shifter. However, it will be going behind either a 355 cid or a 377 cid small block. What I need to know is what flywheels and clutches I can use with the older style two piece rear main seal. I know there are some differences between the 350 and 400 blocks, but I dont know everything. Also, suggestions on a long tube header friendly starter for this combo would be appreciated.

Anything else I should be aware of?


Thanks alot,
Max

//<86TA>\\

iTrader: (14)

your stock block, assuming its stock is a 1pc rear main, a 400 block will be a 2 piece, they both take different flywheels, if your going to drop coin on a good flywheels, you need to decide if you are going to go with a 400 or not. I believe you use the stock size flywheel, 153tooth and a clutch for that size, 10.5.

myvmax1

Yeah, the engine/trans is completly stock asside from unrelated bolt ons. I know the engines I am considering are Two piece rear main. I'm just not sure what flywheel will bolt to my two piece rear main block, and interact properly with my 1991 T5 trans. Also in consideration is tooth count of the flywheel, clutch size(brand suggestions?), and the proper starter. As well as any relative differences between the 350 and 400 blocks that would dictate a change to my parts combination. For whats its worth I will be producing from 450 to 550 HP at the flywheel.

Pat Hall

iTrader: (31)

You might have a couple of issues to contend with. The flywheel is easy enough. All you need is the 83-86 5.0L f-body, 153 tooth, 10.5" flywheel. You might have a problem with an older 400 block though. Most of them only have the starter holes for the 11" flywheel with the staggered starter bolt pattern. Of course, since you don't have the motor in the car yet, it wouldn't be hard to drill/tap the extra hole in the block that's needed for the 153 tooth starter motor. It may even have it already, just need to check and make sure. The other issue with a 400 style motor is the balancing. If it's externally balanced like a stock 400, you'll need a 10.5", externally balanced flywheel. 377's use a 350 crank if I remember right though, which are internal balance, so you'd still be ok with the 83-86 flywheel if that's the case. Most 350 blocks from the mid-70's up have both starter bolt patterns. 400 blocks were produced until the late 70's, so some of them probably have both patterns as well. As far as clutch recommendations go, I'll say the same thing I did in another recent post. The Ram Powergrip or the Spec Stage 3 would do nicely at your power levels. Btw, this is a well-known subject on this forum, but that T5 probably won't live long behind a motor producing 450-500 HP. Hope this helps.

myvmax1

Yeah I suspected a few of those issues. BTW, yes a 377 is a 350 crank in a 400 block, with 6 inch rods in a 4.125 bore. The balancing crossed my mind as well. As far as the starter holes go, I haven't looked yet, maybe I will luck out. But like you said, having the engine out of the car will help with drilling and tapping if need be. You clutch suggestion was spot on, I was looking at either that one or the Centerforce Duel-Friction. And yes, I have become aware of the T5's fragility behind serious power. It will only be behind the engine long enough for me to find a T56 for less than what I paid for the car.


Thanks alot guys,
Max

Pat Hall

iTrader: (31)

Another trans you might want to consider is the Tremec TKO 5 speed. They're damn stout, plus they'll work with the stock T5 clutch/bellhousing/flywheel/linkage, etc. There's a guy selling a complete TKO swap in the classifieds right now for $1200 IIRC. Another plus with the TKO is if you're running a cable-driven speedo. The T56 requires an expensive converter box for the cable speedo, whereas the TKO uses a simple mechanical adapter (i.e. ford style to chevy). The one listed in the classifieds has a 3.27:1 first gear, so it'll launch like a bat outta hell, even with 3 series rearend gears.