I am getting ready to replace the 305 in my 86 iroc with an older 350 block 010 casting with 601 heads. I just realized that while the idea is to use all the parts off the old engine, water pump, alternator, starter etc, is this a possibility, are parts that interchangable or are there some differences i should keep in mind?

 

Starter bolt hole is the only one.

 

Hmmm so I would have to get it drilled or could I just buy a different starter

 

Anyone? I'm trying to figure out why an original style starter for this block wouldn't work with the 700r4

 

The flywheel tooth count is what's different. It has nothing to do w the transmission.

 

Ah that's what I thought, Ive actually already got a 168 tooth flexplate for it. I'm just not sure why I can't use the 168 tooth flexplate and a 168 tooth starter without drilling holes in the block? I'm confused and now Ive gone cross-eyed.

 

I may be mistaken, but I believe you can use the starter that matches your block and then the tooth count flex plate that matches your starter.

 

yeah that's what I thought...some people were saying that I would have to have the machine shop drill the block to accept the starter, but I think it would be eaiser to just use a 168 tooth starter...I already have the flexplate anyway.

 

The only reason to drill the block would be to use the starter and flex plate from the 305.

 

Drill the hole.

Ya never know what the future holds; and if you ever decide to put a T-5 behind that motor, it will be IMPOSSIBLE to get it to work with the hole.

Just do it. Cheeeeper and eeeeeezier to do it now, even if you don't "need" it, than to be confronted with "needing" it later, when it no longer either cheeeeeeeeep OR eeeeeeeeeeeeezy.

 

Am I understanding correctly that the larger flywheel will not fit in the T5 bell housing?

 

Possibly...

Since it doesn't fit, it's a smart move to prepare for this situation NOW, while it's cheeeeeeeeeeeeeep and eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezy, rather than moaning and wailing over it later, in case it presents itself.