Going thru the logistics of putting an S10 T-5 transmission in my 55 2nd with a 235. Read all there is to read regarding the swap and have hit a wall with the flywheel. Picked up what I thought was a small block flywheel this afternoon and turns out, according to the casting # 3789733, a big block version. Research indicates that there was no difference in the small to big block flywheels except for some big block 400`s. Matching it up with a 235 flywheel I got with a spare engine, it is off on the bolt spacing. Now I am confused as to which flywheel I need. The articles I have read indicate using a small block flywheel. Anyone have an answer?

You need a 235 - 12 volt flywheel for a 12 volt starter if you are using a 12 volt set up. That is a 168 tooth flywheel from a 55-62 235. If you are using a 6 volt system, you need an older 216 - 235 up to and including a 54 flywheel with 139 teeth for the 6 volt starter.

The problem I am having with my stock 235 flywheel is that it is drilled for a 9 inch clutch and I was planning to upgrade to an 11 inch. I don`t think it is possible, with the mounting holes in the stock flywheel to redrill.

Who is telling you to use a V8 flywheel on a 235?


12 volt 11" flywheel is casting #3705410 and has the bolt holes very close to the edge. 1955-62

6 volt 11" flywheel is casting #3704832 and holes near edge. 1954-55

6 volt 10 3/4" flywheel is casting 839754, uses a 9 bolt pressure plate. 1942-53

Make sure the starter is correct for the flywheel as 6 and 12 volt starters used different sized gears on them because of the difference in flywheel tooth counts.

You can run a 6 volt starter on 12 volts, but not the other way around.

talk to your machine shop, they should be able to weld up the holes and resurface it, then drill the right ones. Make sure the pressure plate will fit it first, though.


As for the V8 stuff, its the SMALL block 400 and the big block 454 that use a different flywheel and damper because they are externally balanced. The others were internally balanced. This applies to 1985 and older engines with the two piece rear main seal.

Looks like I may have missread the tech tip here on inliners. I am going with the Vega hub suggestion and now need to find a flywheel that will work with an 11 inch disc. Any idea if the larger trucks, 55-59 3/4 ton and up, with a 235 would have had an 11 inch set up>
Thanks

Typically, yes, a 3/4 ton with a 4spd will have an 11" clutch.


If you need a 14 spline 11" disc, try a 1985 Astro van.
If you need a 26 spline 11" disc, try a 1985 V8 Camaro.


Keep in mind that the casting numbers are for reference, as the size of the clutch is determined by the machining process, not the casting/forging process...

Thanks for the info. I found a Vega 14 spline disc and will use it and have a 11 inch disc made with it.

It isn't necessary to do that. I just used a die grinder to trim some of the spline back on the Astro van disc. Or you could lengthen the splines with a Dremel, etc.. Or you could make a spacer plate from 10 or 12 ga. steel. Your choice of course....