TDwatts

so here's what i have, i got a 5.0 out of a 1990 1500 truck. I have rebuilt the whole top end and what not for a 1940 rod i was going to build. but instead i decided to put it into a camaro i baught. It's a 1983 Camaro z28 standard. The car came with no engine or tranny. i have finally got a bellhousing and tranny but my issue now is the Flywheel. i realize that after 87 they changed the engines so i need a new style flywheel. I found one and purchased it but now I can't get the bellhousing over the flywheel??

but if i find a smaller flywheel the starter will not engage the teeth to turn it over. Does the 1500 truck have a bigger flywheel than the camaro?

so far all the conclutions i have come up with is... step up and go with an older style 350 and get more power. but id like to save money, time and work if someone could help me.

Thanks!!!
-Travis

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

Thank you for providing some useful details. Only thing left out is what the bellhousing and tranny are and what they came from, but based on what else you said, I'll assume they are T5 from 3rd gen f-body.

Yes. The trucks use a 14", 168-tooth flexplate or flywheel. 3rd gen f-bodies used a 12-3/4", 153-tooth flexplate or flywheel. With the 3rd gen f-body auto trannies, you're okay, but the T5 bellhousing will only accommodate the smaller flywheel.

Get yourself a flywheel and starter for a 1986-1992 Camaro or Firebird 305 (it was 1986 the rear main seal design changed, not 1987).

Get those parts, and you'll be good to go.

TDwatts

Ok thanks for your reply! Only thing i'm still concerned with is the starter... if I get the flywheel and the proper starter, Will they still engage? with the smaller flywheel id imagine there will be a gap between the teeth on the flywheel and the teeth on the starter. unless the starter somehow sits closer to the flywheel than the one i have?

Thanks for the sugestions I can stop throwing my tools around the shop .

And yes the T5 bellhousing and transmission are both from a 3rd gen. camaro and firebird suplier i found in Toronto.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

The 3rd gen f-body starter mounts closer to the center of the engine so it will engage the smaller flywheel.

TDwatts

ahh... perfect thank you very much!! You have been a huge help. i was starting to regret buying this car haha. ive always wanted a Third Gen Camaro. But i was beginning to wonder if i approched it in the wrong way. Spent over 1000$ just to get tranny bellhousing and headers just so i can drop my engine in.. and i still coulden't! Talk about depressing. But il try out what you said Thanks again.

-Travis