FLYWHEEL/FLEXPLATE G20-VAN Question ??

[Bob1942]

[b]I am putting a 305 /5.0 engine from a 1991 Camaro into my 88 G20 Van ...I am replacing the worn out 350/5.7 that came with the van ... Can I use the same Flexplate or as some call it "Flywheel" that was on the 5.7 ? I was told to be careful about this because some engines are balanced differently ? Everything about these engines SEEMS to be identical except for the cylinder bore both are single piece rear main seal engines ... I don't want to put my van all together and then find I need a different flexplate ? and I don,t know how to be sure I got the right one ? I am going to post this on the camaro forum too ...THANKS GUYS ! BOB

[stetzz05]

as long as flywheel same size cant see why not. thickness is important too

[Bob1942]

UPDATE ! Well I got the rebuilt 305 roller lifter TBI engine from the 91 camaro into the 88 G-20 van no problem ! Everything bolted right on sure was a lot of stuff ...Runs great ! I used the original front dampener and flywheel or as some call it the "flexplate" ... THERE IS NO VIBRATION ! it is very smooth at all engine speeds ... I had the timing of valves and ignition right on the money just turned the key and it was running ! ...oil pressure is 60 psi even at idle ... Oil pressure was there within one second ! since I had filled the engine with oil and pre-oiled the engine on the engine stand ... Van seems to have as much power as it did with the old 350 ...So I am very happy with the outcome ... Bob in Michigan

[old_master]

Just to clarify: Automatic transmissions use a flexplate, manual transmissions use a flywheel. A flexplate is much lighter and uses the weight of the torque converter to accomplish what the flywheel does.

[Bob1942]

Originally Posted by old_master

Just to clarify: Automatic transmissions use a flexplate, manual transmissions use a flywheel. A flexplate is much lighter and uses the weight of the torque converter to accomplish what the flywheel does.

FLEXPLATE Worked Fine ... I GOT over 4000 miles on the engine now no problems ... Drove it on vacation trip ... THANKS OLD MASTER AND EVERYBODY FOR THE INFO .... BOB in Michigan

[DFBonnett]

Bob,
Thanks for the feedback and the follow-up. Most times there is no final resolution posted. Good job on the swap. Many happy miles to you. Don't you just love small blocks? Zora Arkus-Duntov certainly knew his ass from his elbow.

[Bob1942]

Originally Posted by DFBonnett

Bob,
Thanks for the feedback and the follow-up. Most times there is no final resolution posted. Good job on the swap. Many happy miles to you. Don't you just love small blocks? Zora Arkus-Duntov certainly knew his ass from his elbow.

I like to see those follow ups too DF its kind of a thank you ! to all the guys who replied ... I sure like those small blocks too ... BOB