Author Topic: 350/manual trans flywheel question  (Read 771 times)

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Offline Rickesota

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350/manual trans flywheel question
« on: April 18, 2017, 07:34:49 PM »
According to my research, Buick only offered a 350/4-speed combo from '71-'74. With my '68 engine, could I use that flywheel (currently available from Rock Auto), or do I have to look for an OEM unicorn?

Thanks, all!!!

Rick
'65 Skylark 225/ST300
working towards 350/Super T-10

Offline WkillGS

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Re: 350/manual trans flywheel question
« Reply #1 on: April 18, 2017, 11:08:50 PM »
Flywheel from a 64-67 300 or 340, or 68-up BUICK 350 will work.

The  LUK LFW131 Flywheel from Rockauto will NOT FIT!!!  Check the other applications for that one and it's for a Chevy 350. It's the wrong diameter and tooth count. MANY sites list the Chevy flywheel as fitting the Buick since they are both 350's.

The Buick flywheel has 160 teeth. Uses a 10.5" clutch. I here there is a Jeep version (350 Buick powered) that takes an 11" clutch.
I can measure the diameter if you need that info.
Walt K
Eastern Pa

66 GS Astro Blue/blue 425 auto
66 GS Silver Mist/black 401 4 spd
66 GS Flame Red/black 401 5 spd
66 GS Saddle Mist/black 401 L76 auto
66 Special Flame Red/black 300 5 spd
65 GS vert Verde Green/ Saddle buckets 401 4 spd
79 Turbo Regal

Offline Rickesota

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Re: 350/manual trans flywheel question
« Reply #2 on: April 19, 2017, 12:29:40 AM »
Thanks! That would be great if you could get me those measurements. While I'm here, would this also apply to a 5-speed? I see you have a 300/5-speed car.

Rick
'65 Skylark 225/ST300
working towards 350/Super T-10

Offline WkillGS

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Re: 350/manual trans flywheel question
« Reply #3 on: April 19, 2017, 11:15:02 PM »
Measured the 300 flywheel I have (saved for a future project!)
It's 13.5" diameter with the ring gear.   160 teeth. Same as the Buick 350.

Looks like the Luk LF131 is 153 teeth and 12-7/8" in diameter.
I 'think' it will bolt up to the crank, but the smaller diameter means the starter won't engage it.

A Buick V6 flywheel could fit, but it's heavier and the balance is wrong. Could be machined to work, but that'll cost ya.
Brian had posted about it in the past. Maybe he'll chime in.

TA Performance has new billet flywheels, but they're $315.
Best bet is to look for a Buick 300, 340, or 350 flywheel. A Jeep with a Buick engine is another option.

On my '66 300 engine, I used a '66 V6 bellhousing and a 350 flywheel.
V6 and V8 bellhousings are the same on the early cars. Later 350,400, and 455 ones will work too. Some fit other makes and have provisions (bump outs) for starter on left or right side.

The Richmond 'street' 5 speed I used bolts right up to the combo I have on my '66 Special. It's an extra low 1st gear (3.26 ratio) and a 1:1 5th gear. Works well with a rear in the 2.79- 3.08 range.
Walt K
Eastern Pa

66 GS Astro Blue/blue 425 auto
66 GS Silver Mist/black 401 4 spd
66 GS Flame Red/black 401 5 spd
66 GS Saddle Mist/black 401 L76 auto
66 Special Flame Red/black 300 5 spd
65 GS vert Verde Green/ Saddle buckets 401 4 spd
79 Turbo Regal

Offline wildcat65

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Re: 350/manual trans flywheel question
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2017, 09:41:49 AM »
I just gave one to Tom Miller over on V8Buick.  But TA performance has billet ones.  More $$ but good stuff.
68 and 69 350's with 4-speeds are out there.  I have  a 69 GS 350 with 3-speed; used a TA billet flywheel.
Ted Nagel         65 Skylark GS 4-speed + Wildcats + GS's

Offline Rickesota

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Re: 350/manual trans flywheel question
« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2017, 10:49:23 AM »
I found and purchased a flywheel from a manual 350 on eBay. Thanks all for your input!!!
'65 Skylark 225/ST300
working towards 350/Super T-10

Offline Rickesota

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Re: 350/manual trans flywheel question
« Reply #6 on: March 08, 2018, 08:46:54 PM »
OK...

So I opened the package containing the flywheel I bought last April.

It has more than 160 teeth and no part number. Lesson learned.

So now it appears as though I am at square one. I am trying to work out a deal to send it back but have not heard back as of yet. I really do not want to spend $300+ on a new one. Once I get the flywheel I can order the clutch/pressure plate and get going on this.

Anybody out there have one they are willing to sell?

Thanks,

Rick
'65 Skylark 225/ST300
working towards 350/Super T-10

Offline WkillGS

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Re: 350/manual trans flywheel question
« Reply #7 on: March 08, 2018, 11:19:10 PM »
Walt K
Eastern Pa

66 GS Astro Blue/blue 425 auto
66 GS Silver Mist/black 401 4 spd
66 GS Flame Red/black 401 5 spd
66 GS Saddle Mist/black 401 L76 auto
66 Special Flame Red/black 300 5 spd
65 GS vert Verde Green/ Saddle buckets 401 4 spd
79 Turbo Regal

Offline Rickesota

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Re: 350/manual trans flywheel question
« Reply #8 on: March 09, 2018, 07:16:32 AM »
already PM'd. Thanks!!!!!
'65 Skylark 225/ST300
working towards 350/Super T-10

Offline Brian

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Re: 350/manual trans flywheel question
« Reply #9 on: March 09, 2018, 08:33:34 AM »
The V6 flywheel will bolt on, but it is balanced opposite the V8 flywheel and will give you a deep vibration in the engine (ask me how I know).  It is also significantly thicker and heavier than the V8 flywheel, so even if you balanced it correctly, it you wouldn't want it on there. 
'64 Skylark 2dr ht 4 speed, 300-4
'65 GS ht, 4 speed,2-4s,AC,PS,PB,PW,Pseat,Tilt
'66 Skylark 2dr ht 300-2 automatic
'78 Yamaha DT 400 2 stroke
'88 Ford F-150 4x4 (used to be 4x2)
'89 Ford F-350 4x4
'03 Honda Accord Coupe V6 6-speed manual (daily driver)

Offline GS66

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Re: 350/manual trans flywheel question
« Reply #10 on: March 11, 2018, 10:14:54 AM »
Looks like you got that one Rick!
Jim
North Mankato, MN

65 Gran Sport HT auto
66 Gran Sport Conv. 4 speed
66 Gran Sport Conv auto
66 Gran Sport Post auto
66 Gran Sport HT auto