[VERONICA]

I have a 97 mustang with a V-6. I am putting a 302 in it. the flywheel from the V-6 does not line up on the 302 so my husband took it to a machine shop to have holes drilled in it so it will line up. I do know that the balance is right according to the 302. Is this going to cause problems and if so, what are they. Won't the balance be different by have it drilled to line up? Oh my!!! I hope my husband is right but I do need a second oppinion.

 

[Max Keith]

flywheel

To my knowledge the 3.8 flywheel wont balance with a 302. Better off to get the proper flywheel for your 302.
What year is the 302? 302's have two different weights of off balance on the flywheels. Ones made later than, 82, have a 50 oz off weight where the earlier ones had a 28 oz off weight.

 

[VERONICA]

I was mistaken on what my husband was doing - The flywheel does line up but the bolt holes are too small - he is having those drilled larger. As for the engine - It was a trade-in @ Dallas City Motors and all they could tell me is that it is an 82-86. I did get the correct flywheel for the engine to begin with and then the correct starter but with those two, the bell housing from the old engine would not fit - cannot find a bell housing for the 302 anywhere - I even checked on line. The closest I found was for a Ford F150 and they wanted waaaay too much for it. That is why he wants to go with the old flywheel and starter and have the holes drilled. I do beleive it is a 28 oz. We had to get a new harmonic balancer also and that has something to do with the weight also. I could be wrong about the 28 oz. though.

 

[camaroman7d]

While I am not a Ford man. I would highly suggest you either get the proper flywheel or have that one balanced. Running the engine with the improper balance will cause problems (excessive vibration, bearing wear, shorten the engines life). It might be possible to have the machine shop balance the V6 flywheel to match the 302 flywheel. I think that would be the best of both worlds you will still be in balance and be able to keep your starter and bell housing.

Royce

 

[Max Keith]

balancing act

I do concur with Camaroman. I would have the rotating assembly balanced if you are set on running the 3.8 flywheel, I am assuming it will align with your starter etc. I dont know what it costs around your area, but a to have the internals balanced in these parts will run you about $150. Not bad for good insurance on your engines life.

82 and later 302's/ 5.0's use the 50 oz off balance flywheel, and harmonic balancer.

 

[VERONICA]

Thank you for the help - My husband is deadset on the 3.8 flywheel. I will definately have it balanced. We will see. Oh, and you are right - it is a 50 oz.

Again, Thank you.

 

[machine shop tom]

A machine shop that balances should be able to correct any imbalance that may occur when the holes are drilled. It is not a big job to change from 28 to 50 OZ/IN imbalance (or vice-versa), if need be.

tom

 

[Max Keith]

balancing act

Mallory Metal can do wonders for an inproperly balanced engine.

 

[woodz428]

A possible solution, although I don't recall what tranny you are running, the MII flywheels and bellhousings were smaller to fit the MII Pinto based confines. I have a bellhousing and flywheel off one ,just in case. If it's an automatic, I would try Fox body V8 applications. I'm pretty sure the 3.8 and 302 use the same AOD case.

 

[fairlane]

bell housing

another idea is to go with a lakwood or other bellhousing, they seel them through most performance places, jegs, summitt, PAW and others. i would try that then rebalencing a 3.8 flywheel.