The Stovebolt Forums Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop *Flex Plate Dust Cover For 5.3/350 Combo*

I have a 2001 5.3 running a 350 turbo transmission. I bought a universal dust cover for a 350 turbo and it just won't fit. The starter is the main issue. I've modified it and if I cut any more metal away to clear the starter there won't be much left to support that side of the cover. The cover still needs to go up further to get the bolts in but the starter is still hitting. I cut away the piece that goes between the engine and transmission as there were bolts on the tranmission that were interfering. Is there a cover out there for sale that will work for my application? I been driving without one for 1 1/2 years and probably don't need one but recently I've been hearing a noise that sounds like maybe a rock or some road debre has been caught in that area and ginding around for a few seconds. I don't hear the noise every time I go out. Just ocationally.

Make a template out of thin cardboard that will fit the contour of the starter, and transfer the shape to a piece of sheet metal. Then pop-rivet that piece to the "universal" dust cover - - - -which obviously isnt universal. If necessary, include a tab to attach the plate to a hole drilled and tapped into the bell housing. Problem solved!
Jerry

Good idea. I've got a pop-rivet gun so ill give it a go.

Yea ive never run one on any of my LS swaps with old 4 speeds, th400’s or the old 319 in my truck. If you want one just make one up out of some thin sheet steel or even aluminum. Cardboard firts and then chop, hammer, bend drill, then enjoy the useless cover that makes you feel better hahaha.

Here in America, we have things called "gravel roads". I drive half a mile from home every day before I encounter the first pavement. Getting a rock wedged between the flywheel ring gear and the bell housing can be an interesting experience, no matter what the sarcastiic city slickers think. Good luck with your project.
Jerry

My truck isn't drivable yet but I start it up once a week. I put my dust cover back on after a cat decided it would be a good idea to take a nap atop the input shaft and clutch. Interesting mess.

YUCK....

Dad got a call early one cold morning from one of his customers, a man who drove a 53 Pontiac straight 8. "It made a screeching noise when I started it, and now the generator light is on". The cat that had been sleeping on the spark plugs of that flathead engine jumped into the fan and knocked the belt off the pulleys. Dad said it looked like an explosion in a meat packing plant under the hood!
Jerry