OEM Flywheel on 71 LT1
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 4
From: Va
OEM Flywheel on 71 LT1
Does anyone know what material is used in the OEM Flywheel on a 71 LT1? Is it Cast or Steel ?
I have read that that you need to use a steel flywheel not cast on a high hp/tq engine. The cast will blow apart. If it is steel I have the option of having it resurfaced. If cast it's a no brainer that I need to replace it.
This is going on a 383 Stroker 500 hp/tq.
thanks
I have read that that you need to use a steel flywheel not cast on a high hp/tq engine. The cast will blow apart. If it is steel I have the option of having it resurfaced. If cast it's a no brainer that I need to replace it.
This is going on a 383 Stroker 500 hp/tq.
thanks
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
It is cast. If it has some miles on it replace it with a steel one. Chances are it won't go but why take chances. I replaced mine with a steel one. The cast one resides under my bench.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
Don't listen to idiots who don't have the slightest clue about the subject! The LT-1 Vettes had a 168 tooth flywheel that used a 11" clutch and was manufactured out of NODULAR IRON weighing around 35-40 Lbs. I subtituted a 153 tooth 14Lb 1968-9 L-88 427 flywheel for the stocker in my 72 LT-1 Vette and gained way better throttle response from my motor. My LT-1 had 4.11 gears from the factory but, I run 3.70s for highway use and 4.56 gears for autocross and drag racing. You can use the L-88 flywheel but, you will need a 10.5" clutch (get the L-88 clutch it's not that stiff and the housing is stronger than the 11" clutch), and a starter motor for a 153 tooth flywheel (I use the 87-88 Corvette Delco lightweight starter on my LT-1.) The 350 Chevy is a "neutral balance" motor with NO counterweighting on the flywheel (only 86 and later 350 Chevy's have counterweights on the flywheel to compensate for the loss of the rear counterweight after they went to the round crank flange and one iece rear main oil seal.) GM Parts Direct has your flywheel avaliable here is the link for the stock 11" and the L-88 can be bought there too: http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/restora...tocategory.cfm
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 4
From: Va
Thanks SolidLT1
I am having a 383 stroker built, it will have a Scat 9000 Steel crank in it, internally balanced per my engine builder.
Will the OEM stock LT1 nodular iron 168 tooth flywheel work on this crank?
Although the L88 route sounds promising. I didn't have any luck finding the L88 part numbers / price on the link you sent me, have any of that info available. I have read pros and cons about using a lighter aluminum flywheel, is the L88 aluminum or steel ?
What is your thought's on the brand of clutch, pressure plate I should use , McLeod, Ram , the stock L88 ?
Thanks again
Will the OEM stock LT1 nodular iron 168 tooth flywheel work on this crank?
Although the L88 route sounds promising. I didn't have any luck finding the L88 part numbers / price on the link you sent me, have any of that info available. I have read pros and cons about using a lighter aluminum flywheel, is the L88 aluminum or steel ?
What is your thought's on the brand of clutch, pressure plate I should use , McLeod, Ram , the stock L88 ?
Thanks again
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
Here is the link for the L-88 flywheel. They are excellent parts for hot Vettes they will only be able to be re-surfaced 2-3 times at the most where the heavy 35lb flywheel will probably go for 150K miles. I use a Centerforce II pressure plate but, like the McLeod Kevlar disc better than the CF disc. Here is the link for the L-88 part# 14085720 flywheel: http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/restora...&searchyear=68
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: harrisonburg (JMU) va
yeah dad, that had totally slipped my mind, i remember reading about using the lighter L-88 flywheel a while back, this might be the way to go, i mean if GM designed them for the l-88 putting out around the same numbers we are looking to achieve then this may be the way to go...what do you think? $151 bucks, not too bad compared to alum. which is what? around 3-400...
