Hi really helping you can help since I haven't been able to drive my "new" vette yet

Looks like I need to replace the flywheel on my 71 c3 manual. It is a 383 stroker with a Tremec 5 speed less that 1000 miles on them. For some reason the starter from the build was replaced with a napa basic one and they didn't shim the starter nor did they use knurled bolts. The flywheel teeth look like my vette is inbred or on meth lol. Per this forums recommendation, I bought a CVR 5323 mini high-torque to replace the napa but not installing until the flywheel is fixed.

Not sure what's on there now for a flywheel - it kind of looks stock 168 tooth but thought with the updated engine/trans combo they would may have put something different on? Maybe not - I am new to these cars...

Is there a way to identify which flywheel it is peeking through the bellhousing area? If it is stock and you guys recommend leaving it stock should I just heat up and replace the ring? What's the easiest way to do this? Guessing I have to separate the trans enough to get in there. I do have a friend with a lift and trans jack etc but could also do in my garage with 2 jacks, ramps, and 4 heavy duty jack stands. Was wondering if I can just heat the ring in place without unbolting anything or if that would damage anything. Think it needs to get to about 500 degrees.

Appreciate any help very much thank you

 

Always the possibility the flywheel is slightly warped. I would just swap-out the whole wheel, same number of teeth.
Or if on a budget, take it to a machine shop, check for trueness, and new ring if that's what you want to do.

Driveshaft, tranny, clutch, disk, throw-out bearing, fork, bell-housing, all has to come off.
Support the back of engine. Don't let the fan hit the shroud.

 

Staggered starter mounting bolts are 168 tooth, straight across starter mounting bolts are 153 tooth.

 

The knurled bolts are mandantory. Yes you can replace just the gear. But I would let a machine shop do it. Cheap.

Getting a tremec in/out with a welded-in manual crossmember can be done, but it is very challenging.

Look up the directions on the SilverSport site.

 

99% of Tremec installs are 168 tooth.....the big question is if you have a 1 or 2 piece rear main seal......you say it is a 383 Stroker....could be either depending on who built it. On the block, toward the back bellhousing pad on the drivers side is a 6 or 7 digit number....snap a photo and post it......this will tell you what block you have.

You are not heating or changing the ring on the car......not happening.

Look in the for sale section here.....one of our members is selling a flywheel......it is a good deal and may work depending on what seal config you have.

Jebby

 

Are 383 internally balanced?

 

Go with a lightweight flywheel if you dont mind having to leave the lights at a higher rpm, you will get a quicker throttle response and the revs come down quicker

 

PM sent to OP. Primo Al flywheel available.

Steve O.

 

Lightweight steel flywheel here from CorvettePassion

 

Depends on how much they paid for the kit......generally the lesser expensive Cast Steel cranks are all external.....Scat has a Cast Steel Internal crank part number, but oddly doesn't offer it in a whole balanced rotating assembly.....

Jebby

 

can you start the engine? does it vibrate? i put a 454 flywheel on a 400 (essentially stock ext ba;ance 383) in a boat. whole boat shook like a leaf at idle. check the engine side of the flywheel for counter balance weight cast in. also check the harmonic balancer for the same. google 383-400 and 350 flywheels and balancers for pics to tell the diff. few people who sold the car know or care if internal or external balance or have the engine builder name and engine they bought to help out. you must know FOR SURE which flywheel you need. lets hope current flywheel is the correct one...

 

Well the cvr mini start worked perfectly and i was able to start and get to shop for the flywheel. I'm to old for that nonsense. Teeth are definitiely bad past owner didn't ship starter right and cranked the hell out of it. Appreciate all your help

 

Be sure your shop tech is savvy with the different flywheels required for 1 piece and 2 piece seals.....and internal or external balance......or if he/she is old school, they may just change the ring gear.....it is very easy to do if you have the right stuff.....

Jebby

 

He said he planned to do the ring if possible