Default 1961 Corvette Starter/Flywheel Problems ???

[Richard J.]

Hello all. I need a little advise before I start pulling the transmission and flywheel back out of this 1961 Corvette I'm restoring. I have a 283/315hp engine and a T-10 4-speed. I did not use the original flywheel because it was not in the best shape and I had a very nice one that had be resurfaced and had a new ring gear on it that was for a 1965 Corvette. I chose to use that flywheel and a diaphragm type clutch on the '61 both were the same diameter and had 168 teeth on the ring gear.. I went to crank this evening the engine and the starter solenoid engaged; you could hear the starter drive being pushed outward by the heavy "clack" sound and the starter turned freely. Problem is it didn't even try to engage the ring gear on the flywheel.

Did I goof up by using the SB 1965 Corvette flywheel on this 1961 Corvette. Is the ring gear on the 1961 flywheel in a different position than a 1965 flywheel? Am I going to have any issues with the diaphragm style clutch. Thanks for any help you can offer.

[Terry D.]

Re: Default 1961 Corvette Starter/Flywheel Problems ???

Richard
I'm pretty sure your original flywheel had 153 teeth, I'm not at home today so I can't look at my books, but if memory serves right that could be your problem As for the diaphragm clutch people have been using them for years with no problems. If no one else chimes in just google the info

Terry

[Joe L.]

Re: Default 1961 Corvette Starter/Flywheel Problems ???

Hello all. I need a little advise before I start pulling the transmission and flywheel back out of this 1961 Corvette I'm restoring. I have a 283/315hp engine and a T-10 4-speed. I did not use the original flywheel because it was not in the best shape and I had a very nice one that had be resurfaced and had a new ring gear on it that was for a 1965 Corvette. I chose to use that flywheel and a diaphragm type clutch on the '61 both were the same diameter and had 168 teeth on the ring gear.. I went to crank this evening the engine and the starter solenoid engaged; you could hear the starter drive being pushed outward by the heavy "clack" sound and the starter turned freely. Problem is it didn't even try to engage the ring gear on the flywheel.

Did I goof up by using the SB 1965 Corvette flywheel on this 1961 Corvette. Is the ring gear on the 1961 flywheel in a different position than a 1965 flywheel? Am I going to have any issues with the diaphragm style clutch. Thanks for any help you can offer.

Richard------


All C1 Corvettes used a 14" flywheel with 168 teeth on the ring gear. All C2 Corvette small blocks used a 12-3/4" flywheel with 153 teeth on the ring gear. So, I do not understand how your original flywheel and the "1965 Corvette flywheel" could have been the same diameter. For 1965, even the Corvette big block used a 12-3/4" flywheel.

[Frank D.]

Re: Default 1961 Corvette Starter/Flywheel Problems ???

Aren't you the fella on the Corvette Forum that posted this same issue ?
If so, I think Tom Parsons gave you copious amounts of advice on what you have and where you screwed up...

[Richard J.]

Re: Default 1961 Corvette Starter/Flywheel Problems ???

I was mistaken about the flywheels. When I said I had measured them a few months ago when I thought they were the same diameter turns out I had grabbed the spare big block flywheel I had (conformed that today). So after several months went by and I grabbed the 1965 small block flywheel I had and installed that one without checking the diameter before I bolted it onto the motor when on the engine stand... I made a boo-boo and installed the 153 tooth flywheel instead of the 168 tooth that I had intended. I took it apart today, I had the original 1961 flywheel refaced and installed it. I was able to start and run the engine in the chassis this evening. Long story made short is all is well with the world again... and I'll not soon be making that mistake again. I was lucky the body was not on the chassis yet so it only took me about 3 hours to get it all done and I was able to make it look like nothing happened. I started the FI motor this evening and it ran flawlessly! Thanks to all for the advice and help. Kindest regards, Rick

[Eric E.]

Re: Default 1961 Corvette Starter/Flywheel Problems ???

With 168 tooth I mind. I have a flywheel that came with my car in a box of parts that is 168 tooth and just over 14" od at the tooth tip. The part number is 3789733 and a date code of K148. Being a 68 flywheel, are these interchangeable between C1 and C2 or are there other differences?

[Joe L.]

Re: Default 1961 Corvette Starter/Flywheel Problems ???

With 168 tooth I mind. I have a flywheel that came with my car in a box of parts that is 168 tooth and just over 14" od at the tooth tip. The part number is 3789733 and a date code of K148. Being a 68 flywheel, are these interchangeable between C1 and C2 or are there other differences?

Eric------


I assume you are talking about a flywheel with a CASTING number of 3789733. If so, I THINK this is a flywheel for 6 cylinder applications. Just how it might differ from flywheels for V-8 applications I do not know.

[Eric E.]

Re: Default 1961 Corvette Starter/Flywheel Problems ???

Joe, yes, that is the casting number and, since it is a driver I am curious if it will work in a 62 or for others that might have the same application. Thanks.