i'm sorry guys, i'm new here and didnt know where to post this.

backround:
i'm putting a 350 into a 1991 camaro rs that i got for free that used to have a 3.1 v6. i have everything to do it now but i'd like to be sure of a few theings before i purchase them. the casting number on the block says motor was in 80-85 truck with a 4 bolt main. i a have a 700r4 in it.

now for my questions:
1. when i looked up the flexplate at the local parts shop i looked up one for an 81 camaro 5.7. it listed a 168 tooth flex plate w/ out balance weight. is this the one i should get? the later year 5.7's listed have the balance weight on the flexplate and i'm pretty sure i need the one w/out the weight becuase its an 80-85 block.

2. which starter do i get? one for the 81 camaro 5.7 or a newer (say an 89) camaro with 5.7. they both are listed for the 168 tooth flex plate but i dont know which one will work for that year block and the 700r4. i was thinking the newer starter because of the older starter having possible clearance issues w/ the nose of starter and bell housing??

3. finally, i am eliminating the computer so is there a way to make the electronic speedometer to work?

any and all help will be greatly appreciated. thank you.

 

Only one type flywheel (neutral balance / no weight for 2 pce RMS engine ) will fit your new engine ( the bolt pattern to crank is different from later 1 pce RMS engines)
Can be 153 or 168 tooth

Check block where starter mounts; if you have 3 drilled holes ( common on earlier blocks) can use either size flywheel / starter.
If only 2 holes in line ;need 153 tooth setup.
If only 2 holes staggered; can only use 168 tooth setup

Bottom line
See what starter you can run 1st and match flexplate size to that.
Can use any Chevy starter of right type; doesn't " have " to be from a Camaro
If you find you can run a 153 tooth combo; look at the LT1 mini starter; smaller ,half the weigh and more clearance from headers= less heat soak of starter
This type
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Corve...Q5fAccessories

Believe that is only a problem with smaller bellhousing used on T5 trans ; require 153 tooth flexplate and matching starter

 

Speedo will work fine without the ECM.

For the starter, I'd grab an aftermarket hi-torque mini starter - they are available for $100 (maybe under) and will work with either flywheel.

Flywheel I'm no expert on - I do know you need the right flywheel for that 80-85 motor - the difference is in the rear main seal, some are 1 piece, some are 2 piece. I know my old 350 block I bought had the flywheel already, and I used it - but had to get the 168 tooth starter since all 3rd gen come from factory with the 153 tooth starter - since I had headers, I chose a mini-starter that would work either way - not much more than any standard starter and much much better.

 

vetteoz

You'll need a method for locking the torque converter in the 700R4 tranny, since the ECM controls that - there's a TCC Control sticky at the top of the carb forum about it.

 

thank you all for the help.

vetteoz: i do have 3 drilled holes in the block. so i can go either way.

camaronewbie: glad the speedo will sill work. and i did purchase the tcc kit online.