RWD Conversion Starter/Flywheel/Clutch options

[Canyonero]

Hey guys, I've got a FWD block with the RWD T5 trans from a 2.2L S10 (starter on the left). I'm putting them into an Opel Kadett with a transverse leaf front suspension, so my subframe/crossmember modifications are limited. Based on some comments over at the OpelGT.com forum, I think I'm going to have clearance issues with the starter and the subframe crossmember/spring.

I have an Isuzu Trooper flywheel and pressure plate (I have lots of Trooper parts) with an S10 clutch plate. I think the S10 may have used a hydraulic throwout bearing, hopefully that all works together... Open to suggestions.

Since I have the Trooper flywheel, I also have a Trooper starter (which is large). Someone suggested a later model FWD gear-reduction starter that would be more compact and provide better clearance to the crossmember, but I don't know what might work with the Trooper flywheel, or what flywheel/pressure plate combination will work with what I'm trying to do. Suggestions?

[Guest]

Since you will be using the FWD starter location, you will have to use a FWD flywheel, they are smaller in diameter than the RWD variants. You may be able to use the Trooper flywheel, since it uses the FWD starter location, but I am unsure if the Trooper starter is any different, than the FWD starter in pinion position that would have an effect on which diameter flywheel was used. Check this before bolting everything in, in case you need to swap to the smaller FWD starter for chassis clearance. I would go to the smaller starter anyway, they are quite a bit lighter and work well.

[Canyonero]

I think I'm actually all good on this. I checked and the Trooper used the same flywheel and starter at the 2.2L S10, and I put a regular Trooper starter on a junk engine in my shop and I don't see how it would interfere with the crossmember... So, nevermind I guess.

[caffeine]

It actually is possible to use a RWD flywheel with the FWD starter/location. Just make a 9/16" shim and it works perfect. That's what I use on my car.

[Canyonero]

What car should I reference to get the ideal starter?

[caffeine]

Probably something like a 2002 Chevy Venture should work.

[Superdave]

anything with a 3100/3400/3500... the newer the better.

[dskopek]

I used a 2.2L S-10 flex plate and a stock 3400 starter without the need for any spacers on my build but also used a 700R4, do not know if the spacing is the same on the manual trans setups

[caffeine]

I used a 2.2L S-10 flex plate and a stock 3400 starter without the need for any spacers on my build but also used a 700R4, do not know if the spacing is the same on the manual trans setups

2.2s use the FWD starter location already, so they have a FWD-diameter flex plate/flywheel. If it were a 2.8 S-10 flex plate it would probably be different.

Basically if you're using a flywheel for a passenger's side starter, but with a driver's side starter, you can use a 9/16" spacer to drive it properly with a FWD starter.

[Canyonero]

Earlier I said that I thought my trans used a hydraulic throwout bearing. That is not the case, I think that was the newer model S10 I was looking at. Mine came from a 94-95 (I forget why I had to pull from those specific years) and it uses an external clutch slave and release arm.

[pocket-rocket]

I would consider that a bonus unless real estate under the car is at a premium.

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