Clutch question

[BigBlockTrucks]

In a hydraulic clutch set up is the clutch behind the 383 the same as the clutch behind a 318 poly that also has hydraulic clutch?

[dodgeboykim]

Yes it will work. Just Hydraulic bellhousing/starter is different. I would have no issues bolting the 318 flywheel to a 383 using same clutch. Did a low budget 68 440 instal in my 66 back in early 76 and used 318 flywheel/clutch assembly.

[nutz]

not sure what you have
or witch one are or aren't ...but some engines are balanced threw the flywheel and some aren't
so not all flywheels are created the same

[BigBlockTrucks]

not sure what you have
or witch one are or aren't ...but some engines are balanced threw the flywheel and some aren't
so not all flywheels are created the same

318,383 and steel crank 440 are internally balanced engines.
400,440 cast crank, and 440 steel crank with 6pack rods are externally balanced.

[712edf]

Yes balance is the same for 318,383 & forged 440.

But as Dodgeboykim mentioned the bell AND the starter would be different on those hydraulic clutch units.

From what I recall the 383 "hydraulic bell" starter is hard to come by but they can be rebuilt or fabricated using various parts. I think it's the nose cone that's unique.

Bucky

[Wildergarten]

From what I recall the 383 "hydraulic bell" starter is hard to come by but they can be rebuilt or fabricated using various parts. I think it's the nose cone that's unique.

Time to procure a spare.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

Yes balance is the same for 318,383 & forged 440.

But as Dodgeboykim mentioned the bell AND the starter would be different on those hydraulic clutch units.

From what I recall the 383 "hydraulic bell" starter is hard to come by but they can be rebuilt or fabricated using various parts. I think it's the nose cone that's unique.

Bucky

Yes, its only the nose that is different. If you have one, and need a new one, simply buy the small block starter and swap the noses. Takes less than 5 minutes to do. Then return the big block starter body with the unused small block nose to get the core refund.
Had to do that on the 68 W200 383 I had back in 2017.