Hi All-
I was ready to mate the t-5 tranny and my 70's 350 4 bolt main truck motor on my 1986 camaro z-28 (originally w/ a 305), but when I tried to put the 305 flywheel on the crankshaft, it would not slide on the crankshaft and the bolt holes didn't match anyways..So I got my hands on a 70's truck flywheel and it fit but when I tried to put the 86 bellhousing on, it would not fit over the flywheel? What should i do? What is the answer? What flywheel do I need to make this work? Can it be done?

I have searched old posts but nothing...please give me a couple answers...thanks so much..

Dan

 

The camaro flywheel is a smaller diameter one than the truck flywheel. In 86 gm changed from a 2 piece rear main seal to a one piece seal. They also changed the bolt patern on the crank for some reason. You need to get your hands on an 82-85 flywheel for the camaro. It's much smaller than the one for the truck. I had the same problem when I tried to swap to the t5 with my 70's motor. I ended up getting a new flywheel from gm for $220. Maybe you'll get lucky and be able to find a used one.

 

Look for a 153 tooth flywheel made to fit a two-piece seal crankshaft. Your 305 is probably a 153 tooth flywheel, but is for a one-piece seal crankshaft. While the '70s truck flywheel in correct in that it fits a two-piece seal crankshaft, it is a 164 tooth flywheel (too big). I got a (cast iron) lightweight GM unit for under $170 through Pace Parts.

 

Be aware of the starter issues that will arise when you slap on a smaller 153 tooth flywheel (even one built for an older 2 piece rear main block) in place of the original 168 tooth one. Obviously the ring gear will be smaller and the starter won't engage it.

I don't know if that's gonna require a different starter, redrilling the starter bolt holes or what but I suspect it's a bigger chore than it looks at first.

Thank *** you can stuff a 168 tooth flexplate inside a 700R4 auto trans. Did this last summer and was afraid it might hit the bellhousing of the slush box but it didn't. Cleared by almost 1/8". Hardly even a challenge.

 

When I did my swap. Had to replace the starter. I didn't drill anything and I wouldn't recomend trying

 

Hey Thatsme-

What starter did you end up using? The one for the 82-85 camaro right? If not which one?

 

Which starter did u use for the older 350??

 

Holy 12 year old thread, Batman!