383 question: Flexplate cover?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,019
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From: Na
383 question: Flexplate cover?
It seems that my flexplate cover is just barely touching the flexplate. This is ofcourse due to the fact that the flexplate for the 383 is larger in diameter. Is there an alternative cover I can use? Will a cover from a turbo 350/400 fit? Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati Oh
Re: 383 question: Flexplate cover? (NUckINg FuTS)
If you mean (what I call) the debri shield that bolts to the bell housing of the transmission rubbing the larger flywheel... I had that same problem. I have yet to see a commercially offered alternative, so basically I took mine off and bent it by hand to raise the four corners (where the bolt holes are) enough to provide more clearance. You could also use a few washers or some kind of spacer, but I just bent it since I had to adjust the clearances for the larger starter as well.
It's still tight, but there's no chance of rubbing and that's good enough for me. :D
It's still tight, but there's no chance of rubbing and that's good enough for me. :D
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
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Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: 383 question: Flexplate cover? (BillWelter)
Im wondering if the flywheels or flexplates are different diameter if say you switch from a 153 tooth to a 158 or higher?Or if the 400 flywheel is larger than the 350?Technically,I havent seen a 383 flywheel or flex plate,its either the 350 or 400.A 383 is a 400 crank grounded down to fit inside a 350 so i would imagine it uses the 400 flywheel/flexplate unless someone has it set up to use the one out of a 350? Im wondering if thats the case here?Also dont see no reason it cant be shimmed out a bit if needed(the cover that is)
:crazy:
:crazy:
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO
Re: 383 question: Flexplate cover? (NUckINg FuTS)
When you're building a 350, you would want to stay with the same diameter flexplate/flywheel, or else you would have to get a different starter. So you would stay with the 153-tooth flywheel/flexplate, no?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 1
From: Tucson Az
St. Jude Contributor
Re: 383 question: Flexplate cover? (BillWelter)
When you're building a 350, you would want to stay with the same diameter flexplate/flywheel, or else you would have to get a different starter. So you would stay with the 153-tooth flywheel/flexplate, no?
Why would the flexplate for a 383 be larger than a 350 one? The 350 and 383 use the same flexplate, they're just balanced differently.
:iagree:
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati Oh
Re: 383 question: Flexplate cover? (edsalinas)
It's moot to discuss why he used a larger flywheel. So the 400 crank was balanced with the original 400 flywheel (163 tooth or something), and that's what he's got. It could have been balanced with the smaller 350 flywheel, but may have cost a small fortune to do so. Regardless, my 383 assembly came with the larger flywheel so I used it- and modded the dust shield as mentioned in a previous post.
Nucking Futs, I would continue to use the shield to help keep crap out of the area (starter, etc) and from building up on the flywheel and potentially throwing off the balance. It will also help protect the teeth from rocks, etc and ensure some longevity to all parts since it's a DD.
:cheers:
Nucking Futs, I would continue to use the shield to help keep crap out of the area (starter, etc) and from building up on the flywheel and potentially throwing off the balance. It will also help protect the teeth from rocks, etc and ensure some longevity to all parts since it's a DD.
:cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: 383 question: Flexplate cover? (edsalinas)
The size of the flexplate isn't because of the engine, in a stock application, it
is because of the transmission. All small blocks with a TH400 have a 168
tooth flexplate. Powerglides, TH350s, and 700R4s come with a 153 tooth
flexplate. The starters ARE different and that is why 99.9% of the small
blocks come with 3 starter mounting holes instead of only the two that are
going to be used in a specific application. SB 400 engines were never fitted
with TH350 trans's, therefore there are no 400 Chevy, unbalanced, 153 tooth
flexplates. Aftermarket 153 tooth, unbalanced, flexplates can hard to find
and expensive, when you do. Ask Ralph. I am not aware of two different
converter dust covers. If minor bending won't make it clear the 'plate, let me
know, and I can research some parts books. C3s and pick up trucks were
common applications for 350 engines with TH400s. Good luck, and...
RACE ON!!!
[Modified by CFI-EFI, 2:03 PM 1/4/2004]
is because of the transmission. All small blocks with a TH400 have a 168
tooth flexplate. Powerglides, TH350s, and 700R4s come with a 153 tooth
flexplate. The starters ARE different and that is why 99.9% of the small
blocks come with 3 starter mounting holes instead of only the two that are
going to be used in a specific application. SB 400 engines were never fitted
with TH350 trans's, therefore there are no 400 Chevy, unbalanced, 153 tooth
flexplates. Aftermarket 153 tooth, unbalanced, flexplates can hard to find
and expensive, when you do. Ask Ralph. I am not aware of two different
converter dust covers. If minor bending won't make it clear the 'plate, let me
know, and I can research some parts books. C3s and pick up trucks were
common applications for 350 engines with TH400s. Good luck, and...
RACE ON!!!
[Modified by CFI-EFI, 2:03 PM 1/4/2004]
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: DFW Texas
Re: 383 question: Flexplate cover? (CFI-EFI)
The way that some people get around this is they use a bolt on additional weight (sometimes called a wing) that simulates the extra weight required for a 400 crankshaft. The weight bolts on the crankshaft with the flexplate Then they can use the smaller flexplate. I know that circle track guys do this all the time. I think I saw the wing in Midwest Motorsport's catalog, but the catalog is in storage and I won't be able to get at it for a while. :cheers:
[Modified by Runum, 3:14 AM 1/4/2004]
[Modified by Runum, 3:14 AM 1/4/2004]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 804
Likes: 5
From: Fresno CA
Re: 383 question: Flexplate cover? (NUckINg FuTS)
Mine hit too on my 408 with my internally balanced 168 tooth flexplate..I used one from a big block 2wd pickup with a 700R4 and it clears fine..there was a small tab I had to trim off with my dremel tool....I think the part was 10-15.00 from GM.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: DFW Texas
Re: 383 question: Flexplate cover? (eguyett1985)
Found it! Its called a balancing plate and I found one at Speedway Motors. Here's a link http://www.speedwaymotors.com/xq/asp...qx/product.htm
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: 383 question: Flexplate cover? (eguyett1985)
Mine hit too on my 408 with my internally balanced 168 tooth
flexplate..I used one from a big block 2wd pickup with a 700R4 and it clears
fine..there was a small tab I had to trim off with my dremel tool....I think the
part was 10-15.00 from GM.
flexplate..I used one from a big block 2wd pickup with a 700R4 and it clears
fine..there was a small tab I had to trim off with my dremel tool....I think the
part was 10-15.00 from GM.
transmission? I have never heard of GM using the 700R4 (4L60, 4L60E) in
anything, behind a big block. If it really was the smaller trans, it should have
used the 153 tooth flexplate.
RACE ON!!!
Drifting
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 2
From: St. Paul MN
Re: 383 question: Flexplate cover? (CFI-EFI)
I'm with Ski! I havn't had a dust shield on mine for 3 years and no problems whatsoever. I also believe that is allows more air to cool the torque converter. I think having the shield on holds the crap all in there and it's more of a mess than without one.
