Flywheel Replacement

[bigblockv6]

It's not necessary to replace the entire flywheel, you just need to replace the "Ring Gear". You heat it up with a propane torch just enough for it to expand and it will come off, you can also flip the ring gear over and use the other side of it. When Tilton Engineering built the flywheel for my 478M to the dimensions of the 305E flywheel it was discovered that the GM 6.2 liter V8 Diesel uses the same ring gear as the 305E so that's what was used.

[AZKen]

This is the answer from RockAuto.
"The image is what you will be receiving. I have checked and we have a good order history with this part but it does seem that there may have been more than one clutch with these. Per AMS's website the outer ring gear diameter is 14.14" so if this does not match your application needs then I would not suggest ordering this part."

Someone is BS'ing someone here. Several flywheels for a 1965 1000 series 305 V6? Does more than one clutch mean more than one flywheel?
Is this not an SM420?

If this would have been the correct flywheel ($60), it would not be worth it to switch rings and get it surfaced in my opinion. We will have to see if anyone actually has a new flywheel and how much it is. A used one or a ring swap may be the only option as BBV6 says.

[bigblockv6]

If this would have been the correct flywheel ($60), it would not be worth it to switch rings and get it surfaced in my opinion. We will have to see if anyone actually has a new flywheel and how much it is.[/QUOTE]

Doesn't look like any of you understand, IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE FLYWHEEL IF THE RING GEAR IS BAD! JUST REPLACE THE RING GEAR. I ALREADY MENTIONED ONE FROM THE 6.2 GM DIESEL IS THE SAME, OR YOU CAN FLIP THE EXISTING ONE OVER AND USE THE OTHER SIDE!

[AZKen]

I understand. Since you repeated my statement, I suggest you read it with an eye to understand what it says. Worth it means,....the money for the new ring, have someone install it (if you don't have the tools or inclination) and get the flywheel resurface may be more than $60, if the new $60 one at RockAuto was the correct one or if one is found in that price range. Even if it's close in price, a new one would be my choice. Ring gears seem to be available for the 1965 305 V6, you don't have to buy a 6.2 GM diesel one.

[bigblockv6]

If the correct flywheel exists for $60 sure that is an option at that price though it's hard to believe. There are no special tools required to flip or change a ring gear, just a bottle propane torch and a small ball peen hammer.

[AZKen]

The flywheel for 60-66 305 V6 is a 191 tooth. Don't see any 6.2 with that tooth count. I wrote to RockAuto trying to get them to understand that the reason they have had no negative feedback is because the F/W they list does fit a bunch of newer Chevy's. I asked then to see if any were ordered for 1965 series 1000 GMC V6. The ring gear they offer does have 191 teeth (out of stock). The flywheel they have (167654) is a 168T I think, go figure.
Buying parts for these is real tricky sometimes because nobody knows what they are doing or selling. The 305 V6 is always confused with other V6's and the 305 V8. (5.0 fools them). We all have to be careful and compare the old part when possible. I am realizing, as is probably Champagne, that this ain't going to be easy to find new. I have searched for a long time and not found anything actually available except used on Ebay.

[bigblockv6]

I looked over Rock Auto too and noticed the ring gear tooth count of 191 of the V6 ring gear and the 139 of the 6.2 gear as well as the difference in diameters, seems to be close to about 1 3/4 diameter difference. What ever Tilton did on my Flywheel definitely worked and matched the diameter exactly to the 305E Flywheel but it is making me question whether it really is a 6.2 ring gear or something else like a ring gear off a medium duty truck with a 366 or 427. Initially I did have some conflict with them and it took well over a year for them to get it done.

[kchampagne]

Thanks again for the insight guys! I called ATP Automotive to see if they had any more ring gears for the 305 (ATP ZA540). They called me back this morning and they said they do not and the ZA540 was discontinued. So, I decided to pick up a used flywheel on ebay. I contacted the seller to confirm that the teeth were in good condition. I just didn't want to risk re-using my flywheel with the poor condition of the ring gear.

[kchampagne]

Hey all,

For those who have had their flywheel cut/resurfaced, did you have to use spacers?

Thanks,
Ken

[AZKen]

Visually, if it's not burnt or scratched/gouged it should be OK. You can check flatness with a good straight edge to check warpage. I doubt if those big honkers warp. If it needs more than .020 taken off, a shim may be necessary. Hydraulic clutches will usually take up the small "gap". You can clean it and block sand it with emery. Let's see what others say. If your motor is out, you can mount it, turn motor by hand and check runout/flatness with a dial. Otherwise, if you want to be sure, take it to an honest machine shop for test. If it's flat within specs, not burnt and not gouged by a previous pressure plate, it's good to go. No surfacing necessary. When checking on motor, crankshaft end play will affect reading. Best to check off of motor if you can. Again, not too common to have to worry about. MAX runout = .009. Two issues: flatness and spacing. I realize you are asking about spacing after resurfacing.