I bought a flywheel for an '88 Camaro. This is a Vortec engine and a Vortec flywheel won't work, it is a 168 tooth. The old 327 flywheel won't work, the 6 bolt pattern on the crank is not the same. An '88 Camaro flywheel fits the Vortec crank bolt pattern and has the smaller outside diameter 153 tooth starter gear that fits inside the belhousing.
The flywheel that was there is a 28 lb I think, and the new one is a 17 lb.
I ordered a mini reduction starter that should be here in 1 more day. These have hole patterns to mount for 168 or 153 tooth.
By using a mini- starter you will save quite a few pounds of weight and use less current to crank the engine. Series wound starter motors were used for years and work OK but the small gear reduction starter is a much better approach- especially as compression ratios go up.
Upper left: 186 tooth flexplate that came on the Votec engine. -Gear too big
Upper right: 153 flywheel that came with the Manta on 327 Chevy engine. -Crank bolt circle pattern too big.
Lower left: New '88 Camaro 153 tooth 16.8 lb flywheel. -Fits.
Lower right: Mini reduction starter.
Replaced the original u-joints. I think they are factory Corvair. See the neck area thickness? These thicker ones on the right don't have zerk fittings also.
It isn't just that you might have a high power engine, these are stressed from the rear wheels to some degree, and an integral part of the suspension.
It is easy to find Spicer heavy duty u-joints with or without zerk fittings.
Spicer part number ( removed, there are better ones later on this page ).
I can't take credit for the idea, I read it from the V8 Corvair guys. Since someone broke one, that only points to the part being the weakest link (or those bolts backed out). Anyway the stock one looks weak. The Spicer looks good, I am not sure if there is a Spicer with the circlips on the outside, or if these can be used either way ... I am trying to find out more.
The Spicer u joints I showed will not work. See the groove near the black rubber seal? That is for an internal circlip and you can't use our external circlip on this one.
The 1310 series u joint is the size we use. It is also the size used on the driveshaft of a big block Corvette!
I was told also that if I use a heavy duty u joint I could end up now tearing up a more expensive half shaft now.
The Jeep guys want the u joint to break because it is cheaper.
Sorry if it is confusing at this point, but I want you to have the info!
I am not a jeep driver and I don't want one to break, these look good ...
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