Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Flywheel options for 13" clutch upgrade

[TurboSandman]

The 13" clutch upgrade is next on my "bombing" list; 5th gear issues just forced my hand https://www.turbodieselregister.com...-1998/216278-another-5th-gear-gone-south.html so I'm gonna do it all at once. SBC Con FE 13" with redrilled flywheel is what I always planned, but my shop (don't have the time/space to do this one myself) convinced me to use a local builder that customs clutches for the pullers around here. Besides, how can you go wrong with a customer service rep named Snake?



I want to have all the parts ready to go for a quick install, so I will need to get a flywheel ready to go. It looks to me like I could:



1) Get an early flywheel like I have and have it redrilled, or

2) Get a later flywheel, already drilled for 13" pressure plate, but I will need to add the starter spaced and longer starter bolts; is this correct?



Give me some opinions; do I have it right and does one work better than the other?

 

[hsmith]

You won't be disappointed with SBC 13" conversion. At least, I'm not. I also went with their upgraded hydraulics.

 

[TurboSandman]

I agree with you regarding the SBC 13" clutch conversion; I put a Con OFE on my previous '97 2500 and was completely happy with it. You won't go wrong with Peter at SBC, no argument here.



However, I'm gonna try a local guy's clutch and need a flywheel to prep in the next two weeks so we can do the clutch and transmission swap without waiting to send my current flywheel (still doing duty in my truck) off to be redrilled/resurfaced. Can anyone help me with that?