[tony00]

I have a 1959 Chevrolet Apache 38. It is a 3\4 ton, dual-wheel truck with the original 283 and granny 4 speed transmission, which carries the starter that bolts directly to the transmission instead of the block. My question is: Will a 400 small block flywheel work with this bellhousing/starter combo, or will I have to change the bellhousing?

[Deuce]

All of the starter to the bell housing ( CHEVY ) set ups I have seen used the 168 tooth flywheel..........


There is a 168 Tooth Flywheel available for the 400


So if you had a 168T flywheel ........yes

Be aware that 400's require their own flywheel ( for balance purposes ).......cannot use a 327 or 350 one ( nor the one from the 283 ).

Is your motor side motor mounted or using 4 bolts to the front of the block ??

.

[M&M CUSTOM]

Originally posted by tony00
I have a 1959 Chevrolet Apache 38. It is a 3\4 ton, dual-wheel truck with the original 283 and granny 4 speed transmission, which carries the starter that bolts directly to the transmission instead of the block. My question is: Will a 400 small block flywheel work with this bellhousing/starter combo, or will I have to change the bellhousing?

Is your bellhousing used to mount the engine/transmission combo to the frame too?

If not you can swap the bellhousing over to a newer style (you most likely have the SM-420 transmission and it will accept the newer style bellhousing), and bolt a newer style starter to the engine block.
It almost sounds like you want to do an engine swap and want to see if this will work with what you have.

Like Deuce said, there are differences with the flywheels for the 400 as compared to the rest of the smallblocks, as well as the newer generations of small block engines.

[tony00]

Thanks for the info. I am swapping the 283 for a 383 stroker that I just completed. The 283 has the front motor mounts, but I am installing an aftermarket side motor mount crossmember. I want to keep the original transmission-- can it handle the pressure?

[M&M CUSTOM]

I want to keep the original transmission-- can it handle the pressure?

If it is the SM-420, you can't beat it with an ugly stick, it'll hold up to a built big block. It's got more than 7 to one first gear.

[tony00]

Awsome!! Thanks for all the help. This site is great!!!

[bet on black]

i am in a similar situation. i have a '59 apache 1-ton with a 235 I6 and the sm420. i will be swaping the 235 for a 350. what do i need for the engine and tranny to mate up? i have heard i should get a larger clutch like an 11". this is my first swap so i need lots of help here! what flywheel, clutch, bellhousing, etc. will i need.

[M&M CUSTOM]

You might already have the 11 inch clutch in your 420.

If your flywheel has more than one set of pressure plate mounting holes already drilled you could simply swap up to a 12 inch assembly, providing your bellhousing will (more than likely it will) have the room inside to allow it.