440 Starter for Manual and Auto Flywheel??

[Chris 69]

I'm in the middle of some upgrades to my '68 Charger and have a "starter" question: Is the starter interchangeable between a 440 with an automatic transmission and a 440 with a manual trans?

I ask this because it is my understanding that the automatic transmission flywheel is 143-tooth, and the manual transmission flywheel is 130-tooth. Therefore, it seems like a different starter (or at least the starter's drive gear) would be required for each application.

Thanks, Chris

[Ghoste]

Same starter for both 4 speed and auto, it was the earlier Hemi engines that had a different starter.

[Chris 69]

Thank you for the quick response Ghoste.

A couple of follow-up questions (I'm currently converting from a 383/auto to a 440/4-speed right now):

1. I have a 130-tooth flywheel (externally-balanced) that I was planning to use on the 383 with a 4-speed. Now I'm planning to use it on the 440/4-speed. Is this OK?

2. Does the 440/4-speed require a 143-tooth flywheel? I see some other posts on this forum where the 130-tooth FW was used on a 440; just want to conform the 130 will be acceptable.

[69wannabe]

I am currently running a 130 tooth on my 493 stroker engine with no problems. If you have the 11 inch bellhousing you can run the 143 tooth I believe. My charger had the smaller 10 1/2 inch bellhousing when I bought it so I just stayed with the smaller flywheel and 10 1/2 inch clutch set up which works fine for street driving. I have a RAM powergrip clutch set in my charger which so far is a good street performance clutch. Its is smooth releasing and holds good. Just make sure the transmission input collar is the same diameter as the bellhousing you are planning on using. I think there are a few different sizes but i'm not sure. Maybe Someone will chime in that knows for sure!!

[Cooter]

Thank you for the quick response Ghoste.

A couple of follow-up questions (I'm currently converting from a 383/auto to a 440/4-speed right now):

1. I have a 130-tooth flywheel (externally-balanced) that I was planning to use on the 383 with a 4-speed. Now I'm planning to use it on the 440/4-speed. Is this OK?

2. Does the 440/4-speed require a 143-tooth flywheel? I see some other posts on this forum where the 130-tooth FW was used on a 440; just want to conform the 130 will be acceptable.

An EXTERNALLY balanced flywheel will require an engine that matches. If your 440 is a cast crank engine, then external balance is correct.
However, if it's a steel crank (forged) it will shake. Hint: most 318 engines had internally balanced FW, and will bolt up yo a 440.
Even the larger 143 tooth flywheel can be had in either external, or internal balance. Most times, on the back side, there will be three (3) large circles that appear to be the beginnings of drilling, on the EXTERNALLY balanced flywheel.

[Troy]

The 143 tooth flywheel and iron bell housing with the 11" clutch was used through 1969 on every big block except the Hemi. Starting in 1970, a 130 tooth flywheel with aluminum bell housing was used with a 10.5" clutch. As long as those parts are matched, you're in good shape. The starter is the same for all of these (again, NOT Hemi).

What year is your 440? To expand on what Cooter said: early 440s (correct for 66-71ish Chargers) had a forged crank and were internally balanced. Later years had a cast crank with a large (wide) harmonic balancer on the front for external balancing.

Troy

[Chris 69]

Thank you for the replies.

I was wrong in my previous post. The 130-tooth flywheel I have is neutral-balance for an INTERNALLY-balanced motor. However, tonight, I will check for the "three large circles" that Cooter mentioned on the back of the flywheel to verify this. (I'll post a pic too)

My bell housing is Part #2892513 (aluminum), which I think is for a 10.5" clutch and will work with the 130-tooth flywheel.

The 440 is a 1978 date code block. A bare block. The engine shop is planning on installing a forged-steel crank.