[AdamRR]

Hello Everyone,

I bought a beautiful GTO '65 at auction, but someone replaced the clutch kit and the flywheel. Now the release bearing is too far from the clutch and
the flywheel does't fit the starter .
For sure, I want to order a new kit (Flywheel, Clutch, Clutch Fork and Ball Stud)

I have parts decoded (I think so):

- transmission: P8H20 = june 20 '68, muncie m20

- engine block: S1/k10 = 61' 389 cu

What do you think, what I should buy?

[Sirrotica]

If it's a 61 block, there is no mounting boss on the block for a starter. The 61 block would also require a 61-63 bellhousing, (bellhousing mount starter) to be used in a 65 GTO chassis. The 64 and later bellhousing is made from aluminum, while the 61-63 bellhousing is cast iron.

Are these parts that you have?

It looks like you're trying to use a mini starter also?

The ring gear does not appear to be on the flywheel all the way, but it's difficult to be sure from that picture.

To add to the difficulties GM also used 3 different height throw out bearings through the years, depending upon what clutch setup you have.

[AdamRR]

Yes, I have mounting boss on the block for a starter.

https://butlerperformance.com/i-2445...i-p010004.html

and this is my starter

https://butlerperformance.com/i-2445...r-imi-123.html

This confirms the codes on the engine block

That's right, the starter is half on the flywheel. Additionally, the flywheel has flange.

The throw out bearing = 32 cm high (1 1/4 in).

[Bill Hanlon]

The fine print on that Butler part says "for automatic transmission only"

[AdamRR]

Sorry wrong link, I don't have a picture of the adapter but it fits the manual transmission. The adapter has a flat surface.

I think you can see it in the pictures

[Sirrotica]

FWIW, Bendtsen and Wilcap, the 2 companies that make these type of adapters both list for automatic transmissions. Although I'm fairly certain that the OEM starter fits both applications, there must be some reason they qualify it only for automatic transmissions............

Either the mini starter has too short of a stroke to put the Bendix gear fully into the ring gear, or the flywheel is made incorrectly and the ring gear is in the wrong place, (wrong dimension), or the adapter doesn't have the correct dimensions from the rear of the block to the flywheel surface.

These are about the only things I can come up with for the picture showing the Bendix roughly 50% engaged into the ring gear. Possibly someone else has a better explanation than I do.

[69hardtop]

I’m probably wrong, but that flywheel looks incorrect. I think the starter ring gear is in the incorrect position because of that

[hobbygto65]

65 and newer ring gears were in a different position, so if its a newer flywheel that may be your problem.

[61vette]

Originally Posted by hobbygto65

65 and newer ring gears were in a different position, so if its a newer flywheel that may be your problem.

You have the wrong flywheel installed. Here is a couple if pictures of an original flywheel from one of my 1965 389 engines. I just finshed having it turned and a new starter ring installed. I am willing to sell it if you are interested.

[Tom Vaught]

Originally Posted by hobbygto65

65 and newer ring gears were in a different position, so if its a newer flywheel that may be your problem.

The 65-up flywheels will also work with 64 A-Body engines (326 and 389) WITH the Block Mounted starters.

Tom V.