I got a flywheel from a co from Ca not saying the name . Had the machine work done on the E block and balanced with the flywheel now to find out its not a 11 inch but for a 10 1/2 inch clutch . There is not enough room to drill and tap for the 11 inch clutch , can i just buy a flywheel for the 400 or buy and have it balanced the same as the flywheel i have ?

 

Time to count teeth and measure stuff, like make sure the starter lines up.

 

Yes. Even though I think the flywheels should be the same balance anyway. Unless your balance shop messed with it while balancing the crankshaft

 

I can see on the crank they drilled a couple spots if that helps. Some more info stock rods ,dss forged pistons , pressed in pins . With the flywheel i have that was balanced there is not much room to drill and tap for the 11inch clutch i have . If i get a new flywheel like a mcleod can i get it balanced to the one i already have?

 

What diameter is your flywheel ? How many teeth on the starter ring gear ? I dont think you will find a larger one. You should be able to drill yours for the 11" clutch but it really needs to be done very accurately. Take a look at this one and how close the bolt holes are to the od:
https://ramclutches.com/product/1575/

 

It is super close to the starter ring i do not think they can be drilled through . I thinki found a stock flywheel thats going to need to be cut but will i still need to get it balanced to what the one i have ? I do not want any issues .

 

I would certainly at least have it checked. Depends on if your guy did anything to yours when he balanced the rest of the assembly.

 

Every single Olds factory flywheel has both sets of bolt patterns. If it's the right diameter to mate with the starter, there should be more than enough room for the 11" clutch. Photos would avoid us having to guess.

 

How about running a 10.5" clutch instead of the 11" you planned to use?

 

Yes, give a competent shop both, and have them match the new to the old. I'm pretty sure the flywheel and dampner don't get touched during balancing externally. If you're internal, the 2 end pieces should be neutral/0 counterweight.

 

Sad to say but a lot of guys do mess with the flywheels. It drives me crazy because if the customer ever needs to change the flywheel they are screwed

Matching the two flywheels is a very easy job with any type of modern balancer. It rarely takes me more than 30 minutes total.

Dont get me started on aftermarket flywheels and dampers for external balanced engines Some of them are so far out of whack that you really have to wonder. I have a collection of stock GM and Ford flywheels and dampers to use as references if I suspect something is not right.

 

Turns out the weight comes with the flywheel and can be bolted on in several locations as needed for motor . The motor was balanced with it so rather than taking the motor apart i will just use a 10 1/2 inch clutch and not upset the balance. Lesson learned do not shave money here it will cost you in the end . Thanks for all the help .

 

Man, that's good to know. I suppose it's like cutting heads instead of the intake.