Chad Dickerson

Hello all, I have a 1980 SA that was factory 3 speed automatic. The car was given to me 3 years ago by my step-father as a birthday gift. I had always wanted to convert to manual, and 2 months ago, the automatic finally died. About 2 years ago I purchased 1 1983 FB that was completely rusted out in the floor pan as a parts vehicle, and it came with an engine and 5 speed from a 1985 FB. I swapped the transmission out, and it starts and idles ok, untill it is reved above 2500 RPM when it develops a nasty vibration. I've read some other posts that say the flywheel application is different depending on the year of the engine, something about the counterweight being located differently on the flywheel. The engine in the SA is a 1979, my step-father had it installed about 8 or so years ago after a fresh rebuild, old engine being to far gone.(so I was told). I know in the early years that a 4 speed manual was all that was available, so I'm guessing that's what I'd need to get the proper counterbalance. So, my questions are:

1. will a 4 speed flywheel matched to a 1979 12A work with a 5 speed clutch/pressure plate/transmission from a 1985 12A? Clutch/flywheel/pressure plate were all brand new before removal from the 1985 donor car.

2. any Ideas on where I could find one reasonably priced? I'm on a short budget atm. I'm not terribly worried about having a lightweight or racing style flywheel, Car is all stock, and am planning to keep it 'mostly' that way.

3. Last resort would be to install the 1985 12a into the car the transmission came off of, but was told it was a good engine, but has not been run in over 4 years, so have not heard it run personally where I know the engine in the SA only has about 3k miles on it since it was installed.(sat in garage for 5 years prior to me obtaining it)

Any suggestions/comments/tips are greatly appreciated. thank You

Balthy

Ok, error in logging in I guess which I didn't notice till after posting. Login misclicked and logged me in through facebook which created a new account. Chad Dickerson is actually me, so I'll be replying from here on.

pic of car in question:

IMG00096-20130615-1815_zps6270925a.jpg Photo by Balthazaar | Photobucket

KansasCityREPU

iTrader: (9)

1. NO - the 1985 is a 225 mm clutch disc and the 1980 is a 215 mm. You need a 215 mm clutch/pressure plate

2. The For Sale section. A factory one would be cheaper.

3. Stick with your 1980 engine and save the 1985 for another day.

Make sure to drain the water from the 1985 engine using the center iron plug and spray the chambers with oil.

Do you have the rest of the stuff to convert the 1980 to manual? The 1985 pedals will not work.

Balthy

The pedals are from the 1983 parts car, and they fit when changed the bracket they mount in. Engine only was from an 85 and has been drained/oiled. Will the 215mm clutch disk for a 1980 work with the 1985 transmission input splines? I don't have a 1980 transmission or clutch setup currently to compare.

Balthy

I would like to stick with the 5 speed vs trying to find a 4speed setup. I plan to use it as a driver during the summer months, and the 4 speed being 1:1 in 4th gear just gives me a headache after a long drive because of the constant 4k RPM drone(that's what the automatic ran at at ~65-70mph)

KansasCityREPU

iTrader: (9)

I'm guessing the 5 speed is from the 1985. The shifter sits too far back in the 1985 and you would need to cut the hole large. I even think the center console would need to be cut. The other option is to shorten the 1985 shifter location. I've never done it but there are several write ups on it.

The 215 mm disc and pressure plate will work on the 1985 but you MUST get the correct flywheel because the 1985 will not work. It's the wrong weight. You will also need to install a pilot bearing. The auto engine does not have one.

Balthy

I did have to modify the tunnel opening, about an inch, and lines up still well enough inside the console trim. I did install the pilot bearing prior to the install.

Balthy

one plus side, seems the automatic counterweight that came from the 1980 can be used with a new racingbeat flywheel. thank you for your help and quick response.