wanting to do a 350 to externally balanced 383 stroker, but would like to use my current flywheel, clutch, bellhousing, starter. Do you have any experience or opinions on using the balance plate behind a 350 flywheel to balance the 383 engine?

 

Experience is mixed. Some people just bolt em up and go, others... don't.

It's also usually possible to unbalance a flywheel correctly by drilling a bunch of holes.

And, also possible to build an internally balanced 383, if that's the plan from the get-go.

What kind of car? transmission? flywheel? clutch?

 

On a t56 a balance plate additional thickness can cause pressure plate issues.

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...ml#post6135798

Read this thread, maybe it will help.
If your current setup is neutral balanced (internal), then go that way with the 383 stroker. Then there will be no confusion in the future.

 

If the 350 is 85 and older with 2 pic. rear main seal, get it balanced neutral like any 85-down SBC (not like a 400!)
If it is 86-up, get it balanced like any 86-up SBC. This allows use of the LT1 flywheel, which simplifies things.
There is no reason to balance a 2pc RMS 383 like a 400.
There is no reason to balance an 86-up 383 neutral.
The balance plate can cause starter teeth meshing problems, and with an LT1 T56, pressure plate release issues.