RE: [Chevelle-list] Drive train parts

Brad Waller Fri, 31 Oct 2003 17:36:09 -0800

Title: Message

Lots of assumptions here.

The old 327 clutch and flywheel may be just fine. There were a lot of powerful 327s back in the day, and decent parts will work. If you have 550 HP or something, then you might be concerned about going for the best parts.

If you want to spend money, buy all new stuff. If you want to save money, I bet the flywheel is perfect, and you might only need a new clutch just so you have new materials. If you change to a 168 tooth flywheel you might get into lots of trouble. You will also need the larger 11" clutch, which will not fit under the stock bellhousing. The spline count is driven by your transmission. If you have an old transmission you will have the 10 spline input shaft. I think both Richmond and Tremec use 26 splines, which is better anyhow.

Unless you plan to race, and assuming you are not made of money, use the old flywheel, but a 10.4" centerforce or McLeod or RAM clutch with the same number of splines as your transmission. Buy a flywheel bolt set from a speed shop or mail order. ARP has a great reputation for bolts. I don't think you will want any threadlocker on those bolts. If you want to spend some money, you could buy a lighter steel flywheel. There are pros and cons to this, as the lighter flywheel lets the engine rev up faster, but it makes shifting harder. Racers like the light flywheels, but most people do not recommend them for pure street cars.

-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tom and Sue Tomlinson
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2003 11:03 AM
To: The Chevelle Mailing List
Subject: [Chevelle-list] Drive train parts

The 66 elky I just bought needs some drive train parts that I'm not familiar with specing/purchasing, so I'm looking for some guidance.

The motor is a 355ci, 410HP (according to the previous owner/builder) 4 bolt main engine from a '70 Camaro. It has never been installed in the car, and needs a flywheel and clutch, which will probably be driving a Tremec 5 speed (still looking into the Richmond vs Tremec, but I'm leaning toward the Tremec). The rear-end is a 3.42 posi. I may be looking at nitrous in the future. I assume the flywheel and clutch from the original 327 that the previous owner threw in are not up to the task.

I've been told steel is better than aluminum for the flywheel. What about the number of teeth (153 vs 168). What type of bolts should I use? Red threadlocker?

I've been told Centerforce makes a good clutch. How about the number of splines (10 vs 26) and size (10" vs 11"). Does the flywheel have to be sized for the clutch, or will a 10" or 11" clutch fit on the same flywheel? Will it fit in the stock bell housing?

Is there a good reference for reading up on these issues?

Thanks for putting up with all the newbie questions.

Tom Tomlinson

RE: [Chevelle-list] Drive train parts

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