Starter, Flywheel and Bellhousing?

[garyholden]

Hi All

I've searched the forums for answers but to no-avail. I hope some of you can shed some light.

I trying to understand which of the above I need.

I have a '95 SBC 350 (no comments about the year, its sorted). I'm using a Jag Getrag. As usual it came with a flex-plate for an auto (168 teeth). So I have the starter to suit 168 teeth. Presumably I need a Flywheel for 168! So far its all straight forward. But I keep reading about:
'balancing',
'internal balancing',
'The harmonic balancer has to suit the Flywheel'
'Cast Flywheels'
'Billet Flywheels'
10 1/2" or 11" clutches

Does any (chevy) Bellhousing fit either 157 or 168 FW

etc
etc

What have other people got with a SBC-Gatrag combo, the finished article is for cruising not racing so I'm trying to keep the cost down. i.e no Lakewood BH

Am I making this more complicated than it should be?

Help is much appreciated

Gary

[adricar2]

hi gary

you would be best to get a cast flywheel with 164 tooth to match your starter, get hold of a bellhousing for the larger flywheel , there are two different sizes one for 157 and one for 164t, the larger one will accept either , as the offset on the starters is on the nose of the starteer and the engine block. with the larger bellhousing you could fit either 10.5 or 11inch clutches. choose a 350 harmonic balancer and you are done . billet flywheels are better for safety , however the cast ones will do the same job.

all the best

[Grease Monkey]

I had all sorts of bother with mine initially as the engine was setup and tested with a 168 auto flywheel and supplied with a starter to match.

I already had the 153 tooth flywheel, clutch and bellhousing ready to go and was a bit miffed when they didn't fit.

Not only did the starter not line up with the flywheel, but the flywheel wouldn'y fit on the crank as the bolt centres was different.

Engine factory were brilliant and sorted it all out, but check not only the teeth on the flywheel, but the bolt pattern as well.!!

[Grease Monkey]

Here's the sorry story including a picture of what not to buy!

Snake Bite..

[garyholden]

Originally Posted by adricar2

hi gary

you would be best to get a cast flywheel with 164 tooth to match your starter, get hold of a bellhousing for the larger flywheel , there are two different sizes one for 157 and one for 164t, the larger one will accept either , as the offset on the starters is on the nose of the starteer and the engine block. with the larger bellhousing you could fit either 10.5 or 11inch clutches. choose a 350 harmonic balancer and you are done . billet flywheels are better for safety , however the cast ones will do the same job.

all the best

Sounds easy. Just one question though. My auto wheel is 168. You mention 164. Does the starter I have fit both?