1958-1962 283 Flexplate/starter...

We have an engine that we bought as a 327. I finally ran the numbers and it turns out to be a 58-62 283. I will be running a th350. My question is, does it take the 153 tooth or the 168 tooth flexplate? Which starter does it take? I'm assuming it's the 153 tooth flywheel and the starter with the bolts straight across. Just want to make sure...

Thanks! jc

 

the biggest problem with a TH350 is gonna be where the fuck do you plan on mounting the starter,or did someone drill and tap the block for you already

 

Yes, some blocks of that vintage don't even have enough meat to drill and tap.

 

It has the holes already. The guy I bought it from had it in a truck with a automatic.

 

Going thru a bit of the same thing. I found that the 153-tooth flexplate did the trick -- along with a starter that had the two mounting bolts in line, rather than the staggered bolt mount. Found the starter at NAPA for about $35 and the short starter bolt that's required came as a set of three for another $5.

 

The flywheel tooth count will tell you what starter you need. Summit and jegs have starters that fit both flywheels 153 or 168 but are pretty pricey. But if you count it and go to your parts store they will have it to, just make sure the bolt holes are across from each other.

 

i\'d ask the previous owner what starter he had on it. i guess it really doesn\'t matter which starter you use as long as you have the bolt holes in the block for it.

if you go with a 153 tooth and straight across starter , the bolts you need (as skulker suggested) is Napa part # 656-1576

 

I believe that 57 and up 283's had holes for block mounted starters, mainly because of Turboglide. It did not use an adapter plate as Powerglides used, but was very much like aluminum Powerglides of 62 and up vintage. Sticks all used bell housing mounted starters. So get a block starter with the right gear pitch for the flexplate ring gear.

 

That's right. It probably has three holes for a block mount starter, (Turboglides used three mounting bolts). So, you can use either straight across or staggered bolt starters. The holes may not be tapped though.

 

Well, I went to the shop yesterday to check it out. It does have three holes for mounting the starter. I also did an internet search on it. I found a site the said all pre-1962 SBC's (which is what I have) came with a 168 tooth flexplate/flywheel. It said they didn't start using the 153t until '63. Anyone agree with that?

 

All the straight drive early V8's I have ever messed with came with a 168 tooth flywheel so it stands to reason that all the flexplates were also.

I actually prefer the 168 tooth flywheel over a 153 flywheel. It has a lower gear ratio ... than the 153 ...

 

Thanks! I'll try the 168t and I'll keep you posted...