I just replaced a inline 6cyl with a 302 in a 66 Mustang. I added new frame mounts, new engine mounts, V8 C4 bellhousing, a 73 302 flywheel and starter. I cannot get the starter to engage the flywheel. I have tried 3 different REBUILT starters, and even added a shim, to no avail. I am not sure what the bellhousing came out of. The guy at the junkyard said he thought it was out of a 78 Thunderbird or thereabouts. The bellhousing went on perfect, as if it belonged there.

Another issue I am having is the alternator brackets aren't lining up. The reason being is that Ford only makes so many radiators that will fit this application, so I ordered a stock 66 Mustang 289 radiator. Being the 289 has the water pump outlet on the opposite side as the 302, I put on a 289 water pump. The alt brackets don't line up for nothing, and now I have to time it by ear, because the timing mark won't bolt on! <img src="graemlins/crash.gif" border="0" alt="[crash]" /> Any suggestions here?

I am contemplating about putting a later flywheel on this engine, and trying it. The motor is a 78-80 302.(It's a rebuilt core) The starters I have put on it, are one for the 6 cyl, one for the 73 302, and one for a 78 302. The engine is ready to fire, so I need help ASAP!! <img src="graemlins/sweat.gif" border="0" alt="[sweat]" /> Thanks.

You have mixed two different decades of parts on the car and need the parts for a 1978-80 302. The driveline needs to be the same decade (roughly!) with only the engine mounts being the old NOS part (That bolt position has not changed). This includes all the accessories too. I suggest you raid the junkyard for the year of 302 you have and install the accessories like the PS pump and Alt, flywheel and housing and note what length spindle nose is on the starter (There is only two I think, long and short). This way you have brackets and trans that fit with only wiring and plumbing to consider.

As for your rad what I would do is forget buying a NOS part and find/buy a good modern crossflow that has the ends in the right location, mounting a rad is not hard...again the junkyard will be a good source of crossflow style rad cradles (U-shape).

Or...you could custom fit everything and make your own spacers for the alt/PS/fan and then machine the balancer to your new snout diameter etc. etc. etc.

Really it comes down to is how original do you want it to look?

[quote]Originally posted by 4 Jaw Chuck:
<strong>You have mixed two different decades of parts on the car and need the parts for a 1978-80 302. The driveline needs to be the same decade (roughly!) with only the engine mounts being the old NOS part (That bolt position has not changed). This includes all the accessories too. I suggest you raid the junkyard for the year of 302 you have and install the accessories like the PS pump and Alt, flywheel and housing and note what length spindle nose is on the starter (There is only two I think, long and short). This way you have brackets and trans that fit with only wiring and plumbing to consider.

As for your rad what I would do is forget buying a NOS part and find/buy a good modern crossflow that has the ends in the right location, mounting a rad is not hard...again the junkyard will be a good source of crossflow style rad cradles (U-shape).

Or...you could custom fit everything and make your own spacers for the alt/PS/fan and then machine the balancer to your new snout diameter etc. etc. etc.

Really it comes down to is how original do you want it to look?</strong><hr></blockquote>

O.K., they already purchased the radiator, and I have installed it. I can't use the alternator brackets from a 302. It has a 289 water pump. It slightly alters the mounting of the brackets where they won't fit. The car has no power steering. So it sounds like my next move is to change the flywheel and starter. <img src="graemlins/boxing.gif" border="0" alt="[boxing]" /> <img src="graemlins/spank.gif" border="0" alt="[spank]" /> Could the longer nose snout on the starter(the newer model) fit with the 73 flywheel? <img src="graemlins/crash.gif" border="0" alt="[crash]" />

If I change to a 289 alternator bracket setup, would this work? Would it change it to the driver's side?

[ March 12, 2003: Message edited by: 1QUIK69 ]</p>

Hers your problem, In 1978, they used 164 tooth flexplates on c4s, in 1973, they used 157 tooth flexplates on c4s. You have a 73 flexplate in a 78 bellhousing...they are different and should be matched with each other. SO....your flexplate is too small for your bellhousing, youll need to change one of them, thats why your starter isnt working....the teeth are too far away. SO get matching bellhousing and flexplate, then match a starter to it.

What kind of balancer do you have??? The early models should have the pointer on the driver side, and the late model on the passenger side. I dont understand why you cant put on your pointer...you do know that alternator goes on the passenger side right??? I would just get alternator brackets from a 289 if i were you. What year are your alternator brackets from? It doesnt sound like you should have to change your water pump or radiator since they match too.

[quote]Originally posted by mustang66maniac:
<strong>Hers your problem, In 1978, they used 164 tooth flexplates on c4s, in 1973, they used 157 tooth flexplates on c4s. You have a 73 flexplate in a 78 bellhousing...they are different and should be matched with each other. SO....your flexplate is too small for your bellhousing, youll need to change one of them, thats why your starter isnt working....the teeth are too far away. SO get matching bellhousing and flexplate, then match a starter to it.

What kind of balancer do you have??? The early models should have the pointer on the driver side, and the late model on the passenger side. I dont understand why you cant put on your pointer...you do know that alternator goes on the passenger side right??? I would just get alternator brackets from a 289 if i were you. What year are your alternator brackets from? It doesnt sound like you should have to change your water pump or radiator since they match too.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Thanks. I guess It is the information I needed to know, but the info I didn't want to hear. Well, I guess I'll change the flywheel and starter to a 78 and newer. Alot of work that I could have avoided. The timing mark won't line up, there is a water pump outlet in the way!! Looks like I will have to order the correct alternator brackets for a 289. I had to shim the water pump pulley to line up with the crank pulley.

By the way, how do you adjust the shifter in that thing. It won't go into park. The shifter feels very loose, even though I tightened it. I imagine it needs new bushings. But if there is an adjustment, how do I do it? Thanks in advance. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

ahhh the ol push it into park while you crank it deal huh? ive had 2 fords and my old mercury have that same issue...I dont know of an adjustment tho...i just figure on worn parts needing replaced and well i always have some other project...if anyone knows an easy fix let us know......until then remember that e-brake, cause it will pop outta park and run off into the side of a building!!! good thing for those tough early 60s bumpers!!!