Questions on crate engine

[CRGRS 66]

I am looking at this 350 crate engine for my 66C10 (currently original 283).

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Perf...67353/10002/-1

Sorry purists, but rebuilding the 283 will just be way too many $$$.

I am also adding a camaro 5spd with S10 tail section and I want to keep my original bell housing.

My question is: Can I use my existing flywheel and clutch set up? I plan to replace the flywheel and clutch, but I want to be sure I order the right parts.

Maybe should have posted this in the engine drive train board, but I know you guys look here every day, and you guys are always spot on with your advice.

Thanks in advance.

[CRGRS 66]

would this be a suitable clutch assembly?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ZZZ-MU1862-1/

flywheel?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ZZZ-50-6516/

[CRGRS 66]

TTT + little update on the engine

I am quite amazed that the local GM dealer can actually give me a better price than Jegs. Price is higher, but no freight, and a $200 gift card to home depot, sears, or esso (think you guys have exxon). The other benefit is that the warrantee will be easier to utilize if there is ever a problem.

Keen to hear about what is my best option for the flywheel/clutch question from my OP.

[MisterC]

Hey Craig,

I'm clueless on the clutch/flywheel issue, but I went the crate route on my '70 stepside (previous project) and the local dealer was my best option as well. It's nice to have a local resource for the warranty issues if they arise.

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by MisterC

Hey Craig,

I'm clueless on the clutch/flywheel issue, but I went the crate route on my '70 stepside (previous project) and the local dealer was my best option as well. It's nice to have a local resource for the warranty issues if they arise.

"I'm clueless Jerry" <----- Kramerism

Thanks Mr.C, I'm sure I will get some meaningful responses from those here with the experience over the next day or two.

[ChuckW]

If your crate motor has the new one piece style rear seal the you wion't be able to use your old fly wheel as the crank bolt pattern is different. If your new engine is 70's - 80's your original flywheel/clutch will work great for you.... I used my 283 FW assy. on my just installed 350. No issue. (just make sure you put a pilot bushing in!)

[brokenspoke]

Pace performance has the same crate engine no shipping cost

[oldtrux]

camaro t5 trans needs a camaro clutch

[brokenspoke]

Originally Posted by oldtrux

camaro t5 trans needs a camaro clutch

Clutch disk

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by ChuckW

If your crate motor has the new one piece style rear seal the you wion't be able to use your old fly wheel as the crank bolt pattern is different. If your new engine is 70's - 80's your original flywheel/clutch will work great for you.... I used my 283 FW assy. on my just installed 350. No issue. (just make sure you put a pilot bushing in!)

Originally Posted by brokenspoke

Pace performance has the same crate engine no shipping cost

Originally Posted by oldtrux

camaro t5 trans needs a camaro clutch

Originally Posted by brokenspoke

Clutch disk

Thanks guys, anything else I should know...

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by CRGRS 66

I am looking at this 350 crate engine for my 66C10 (currently original 283).

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Perf...67353/10002/-1

Sorry purists, but rebuilding the 283 will just be way too many $$$.

I am also adding a camaro 5spd with S10 tail section and I want to keep my original bell housing.

My question is: Can I use my existing flywheel and clutch set up? I plan to replace the flywheel and clutch, but I want to be sure I order the right parts.

Maybe should have posted this in the engine drive train board, but I know you guys look here every day, and you guys are always spot on with your advice.

Thanks in advance.

I think in the long run you will be happy to have spent $220 extra(see Pace Performance for difference in cost of the 2 engines) to buy the 300 hp version of that 260 hp crate engine. Lots of us willingly spend ~$200 on headers to gain ~25 extra hp. You won't miss that extra $ over time. I know you are faced with what can be termed "creeping tolerances" when facing such decisions! Good luck with your dilemna, and enjoy your build.

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by luvbowties

I think in the long run you will be happy to have spent $220 extra(see Pace Performance for difference in cost of the 2 engines) to buy the 300 hp version of that 260 hp crate engine. Lots of us willingly spend ~$200 on headers to gain ~25 extra hp. You won't miss that extra $ over time. I know you are faced with what can be termed "creeping tolerances" when facing such decisions! Good luck with your dilemna, and enjoy your build.

I appreciate the input, these are however the exact same engine, as is the engine I got a price for from the GM dealer. I guess they can quote different HP ratings at different RPM's. Exact same GM part number from all three...

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by CRGRS 66

I appreciate the input, these are however the exact same engine, as is the engine I got a price for from the GM dealer. I guess they can quote different HP ratings at different RPM's. Exact same GM part number from all three...

I think the 300 hp has the code number "4" as part of its number. Its cam(diff from the 260 hp version) is closer to the old 327/350hp cam used in the 60's--gives more power, higher rpm; the 260 hp has the plain 327/250 & 300 hp style cam--a lower performance design. I used that 350 hp cam in the 60's in a '55 Chevy w/ a nearly stock 250 hp 327, and what a difference. It'd hold its own with the '60's Impalas with the 409 engines. Would rev AND still be pulling at 7000+ rpm's. Just a tad more performance that you may or may not decide on.

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by luvbowties

I think the 300 hp has the code number "4" as part of its number. Its cam(diff from the 260 hp version) is closer to the old 327/350hp cam used in the 60's--gives more power, higher rpm; the 260 hp has the plain 327/250 & 300 hp style cam--a lower performance design. I used that 350 hp cam in the 60's in a '55 Chevy w/ a nearly stock 250 hp 327, and what a difference. It'd hold its own with the '60's Impalas with the 409 engines. Would rev AND still be pulling at 7000+ rpm's. Just a tad more performance that you may or may not decide on.

290HP = 12499529 - GM PERFORMANCE SBC 350CID 290HP CRATE ENGINE Jegs and Pace both a hair under $2000.00

260HP = 10067353 Chevrolet Performance - GM Goodwrench 350ci/260HP Engine
Jegs 1399 + 160FRT,
Pace 1599 no FRT
Local GM dealer 1439 comes with $200 gift card, so 1239 no FRT

I currently have a tired stock 283, so 260HP will be plenty for me

[Captainfab]

Yes you can use the 283 flywheel on that 260 hp 350. Of course I would have it surfaced. As for the clutch, I would refer to one of the T5 conversion threads as to which disc and which pressure plate to use. Seems to me that some have used an Astro van disc.

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Yes you can use the 283 flywheel on that 260 hp 350. Of course I would have it surfaced. As for the clutch, I would refer to one of the T5 conversion threads as to which disc and which pressure plate to use. Seems to me that some have used an Astro van disc.

Thanks Cap! Of course, silly of me not to think of that. I have those threads saved in a folder too I was thinking more about the engine/flywheel, and the clutch/bell housing, than the clutch/transmission. I appreciate the direrction, thanks. BTW Cap, I am planning on the power steering, and will definitely order a bracket from you. I have seen a few installs on here, yours seems the "only" way to go.

[Martin64]

I just bought the motor from Jegs last month and no freight charges. I should finish the install today unless there's something I totally missed (only able to work on it on Friday's). The flywheel off my 230 swapped over just fine and I did get the 73-87 motor you mentioned. I just had to buy alot of other stuff because I swapped from a 6 cylinder so alot of stuff wouldn't fit from the 230.

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by Martin64

I just bought the motor from Jegs last month and no freight charges. I should finish the install today unless there's something I totally missed (only able to work on it on Friday's). The flywheel off my 230 swapped over just fine and I did get the 73-87 motor you mentioned. I just had to buy alot of other stuff because I swapped from a 6 cylinder so alot of stuff wouldn't fit from the 230.

Martin
First of all thank you for your service. I am Canadian, but I am personally very appreciative to have such a great big brother. We in Canada owe our liberty in part to our american brothers.

I too will be buying some "other stuff", not going to put an old water pump on a brand new engine for one, and ignition is another thing that will be upgraded.

If you could, would love to see some pics of what you have done so far. I am also interested to know what you have done for your ignition system... Thanks for posting!

[Martin64]

I'll shoot some pics when it's all the way done and go through the receipts with a list of "extras" that I bought to make it complete. I did get it on the road but it's still not what I want to call done.

You're welcome!