I recently bought a T-5 with all the parts I need to make the switch from my has-been-slipping-for-2-years-but-still-works-somehow, 700r4. The problem is that the tranny and flywheel come from an 86 trans-am. If i get lucky it will be one of the few 86 one-piecers but if not what is the difference in the two-piecer? I read some where that the two-piecer flywheel is 12-something inches while the one-piecer is 14. Is this true and could I just use the smaller flywheel? Thanks in advance for help.

 

That is not true. Both are 12¾" in diameter.

The difference is the bolt pattern where it bolts to the crank.

I'd take a pic but I'm too lazy to dig through my stock of flywheels and flex plates.

 

Can I just use an 87 flywheel/plate/disc with the 86 tranny in case I do end up with the older style, which I will because I have terrible luck. I assume its yes but since I'm not sure I figured I should ask.

 

from what i understand all 86's got the one peice RMS............so the flywheel will work with an 87 motor

if you happened to somehow get a 2 piece RMS flywheel, no it will not work

 

The flywheel has to match the crank. Period. If you have a late-style flywheel and an early-style crank, or vice-versa, it will not work. Period. It is possible to machine a late one into an early one, but not the other way around; on the other hand, it would be far more expensive to do that, than to get the right flywheel at the junkyard.

Clutches are the same. Neither the clutch, nor the trans, not the bell housing, care which bolt pattern is on the back of the crank.

 

Thanks for the help guys!:rockon: