Crate Motor Install Need help

[JPsChevy]

I have purchased a 290hp 350 for my 79 K30 , i have started the swap and ran into a few things that have brought up some questions. If anyone could help itd be appreciated greatly. I'm a little new to this and still learning so i could use some guidance.

1) Can I reuse my original flywheel? the directions say to use a no weight or zero weight fly wheel because the engine is internaly balanced. How do i know if original fly wheel is?

2) It also says to plug the vaccuum advance and leave pluged? This seems strange but maybe its correct?

3) With the whole zero weight thing do i need a different harmonic balancer?

Thanks, Justin

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

If your K30 was a 350 then it would be neutral balance, as are all other sbc's except the 400.

I like to replace the harmonic balance as the rubber gets weak, and can slide around giving you bad timing reference.

[JPsChevy]

My K30 was an original 350 (what i took out), your comment leads to my next question as to where do i put the timing tool bracket on the timing chain cover?

[Jake Wade]

Yes, you can reuse the flexplate, I would inspect it for teeth wear and cracks. A new one is under $30.

A good point was made on the harmonic balancer, A new one would be a wise choice, can be had for under $50.

Did a new timing tab come with the engine? If so, it mounts by two timing cover bolts on drivers side of engine.

[JPsChevy]

Originally Posted by Jake Wade

Yes, you can reuse the flexplate, I would inspect it for teeth wear and cracks. A new one is under $30.

A good point was made on the harmonic balancer, A new one would be a wise choice, can be had for under $50.

Did a new timing tab come with the engine? If so, it mounts by two timing cover bolts on drivers side of engine.

Yes a the timing tab came with engine was wondering which two bolts it fit on since it lines up perfectly with multiple holes.

[Jake Wade]

It bolts where the tab will just clear the balancer you will be using. I can't tell you which holes without knowing the diameter of your balancer

[rich weyand]

That engine will accommodate a 12:00 or 2:00 position for the timing flag, which depends on which harmonic balancer cover you get. Mine is at 2:00 using this harmonic balancer cover.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Proform/778/66518BKC/10002/-1

I used the same flexplate, but used new flexplate bolts and new torque converter bolts. Also a new torque converter, because on the K trucks they are a PITA to replace. I used a NAPA torque converter with stock stall speed of 1400 rpm.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr-Gasket/720/...rentProductId=
http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr.+Gasket/720/6716/10002/-1

That "disconnect the vacuum advance" note on that engine by GM is complete nonsense. Disconnect it to set the initial timing -- 16*BTDC worked great for me -- and then connect it back up to manifold vacuum, not "ported" vacuum.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...m-advance.html

[Jake Wade]

For most aftermarket timing tabs using a 8" balancer, the tab bolts in the 2nd and 3rd holes up from the bottom on the drivers side.

[JPsChevy]

That "disconnect the vacuum advance" note on that engine by GM is complete nonsense. Disconnect it to set the initial timing -- 16*BTDC worked great for me -- and then connect it back up to manifold vacuum, not "ported" vacuum.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...m-advance.html[/QUOTE]

Thanks Rich, I should also note this is a 4spd truck equipped with an sm465

[Jake Wade]

Yes, by all means, you want your vacuum advance connected. I like to run manifold vacuum also but, I like to limit them to 10º-12º.

I also think 14º-16º initial timing is where you want to land with that engine, that will put you in the 24º-26º idle with vacuum hooked up, right in its sweet spot.

[Jake Wade]

Well, your not going to get a new flywheel for under $30 but, you can replace just the ring gear(if needed).

You can also have your flywheel resurfaced.

Oh, don't forget to install a new pilot bushing in the back of the crank in your new engine.

[JPsChevy]

Originally Posted by Jake Wade

Well, your not going to get a new flywheel for under $30 but, you can replace just the ring gear(if needed).

You can also have your flywheel resurfaced.

Oh, don't forget to install a new pilot bushing in the back of the crank in your new engine.

thanks Flywheel was in good shape, got a new 3 piece clutch set to put in while im apart.