Transmission--flywheel question

I'm noticing, as I shop for a flywheel for my transmission conversion, a couple of things that I don't know/surprise me...

I have a 383 stroker, so I need an externally balanced flywheel:

I've seen a few flywheels advertised as 32#--is that a normal weight?

what is "pitch" I've seen them advertised with 12-14 pitch?

Thanks!

 

I gather you have a SBC 383 stroker. You need a flywheel that fits a 400 CU. IN. Chevy which is EXTERNALLY BALANCED. The total weight has nothing to do with it being externally balanced. A 32# wheel will work if it is for a 400 cu. SBC.
As for the pitch I never heard of that term referring to flywheels. Hope this helps.

Pat

 

Thanks for the response...I do indeed have a 383...questioning the weight, becaus the "flexplate" currentl yon it for the auto is quite lightweight...just an observation, as I attempt to learn about this stuff

 

Ditto. I'll add that Speedway sells a weight to convert a 350 flywheel for use on the 400 or 383. It won't fit behind the smaller 13" (153 tooth), but it will on the 14"(168 tooth). Anyway, if you or a friend has a 350 'wheel, it's a cheap way out

 

Have you tried the salvage yards up your way yet ? Also look on C. List too .

 

Finding THAT particular flywheel in a salvage yard would be near impossible. On C-list, you may get one for a 454 from someone that doesn't know any better. Beware, or you'll do some damage with the wrong flywheel. Better buy that item new, rather than chance a problem with vibration. They are externally balanced, unlike most other SBC's

 

so...a 454 flywheel will work also?

 

nooo!

 

it really depends on whether he is using a turned down 400 crank or an aftermarket crank, alot of aftermarket cranks use 350 flywheels. are you using a 400 balancer as well

 

It is a turned 400 crank...it is externally balanced...

 

How do I knoe if one is "usable" or not...I've heard a couple of folks mention "turning" the flywheel...

 

You know it's useable when you go buy an SFI rated flywheel. A brand new one. You have a performance engine and it's time to step up with a necessary safety feature. Good luck

 

Point taken...I've sen acouple of brand new ones on ebay for between $115 and $135...
probably wirht a few extra $$$ to get ine of these new

I guess I just enjoy the parts hunt!

 

THAT particular part prolly won't be the one to hunt for, as there's too much at stake. Very few 400's came with a stick, and the 454 flywheel looks close, but is not interchangeable. Buy the right one, and have fun hunting other parts.

 

Is that an actual billet SFI flywheel, or just a cheapie cast iron flywheel? Great price if it's SFI.

good luck

 

I suppose they are cast iron...although I have seena few that list themselves as Steel...SFI