My 54 coupe currently runs a '68 Mustang 289 and C4, I picked up a '97 302 out of an Explorer to swap in and have a few questions. 1) I'm not keeping the fuel injection, so I'll be swapping on the intake and front timing cover ***y. If I read the internet correctly, I have to get a new balancer since I can't use the 289's and I'm not keeping the FI. Once I do that, can I use the Explorer flex plate or will I need to buy a different one? 2) With the different timing cover on, the dip stick position is changed and I have to plug the Explorer's original location. I see that wooden dowels are a popular option for guys...anyone have experience with this or what did you use to plug it? 3) Is there a difference in the distributor shaft length. I swore I saw a thread in which @JeffB2 mentions a length difference, but can't find it now. Online shopping seems to indicate there isn't and I was hoping to use he one in my 289 currently. 4) It looks like I should be able to use the 289 exhaust manifolds with the GT40p heads for now (with perhaps a little encouragement from a grinder?), but wondered if this could be conformed. Thanks, Slim
I can't help with your other questions, but early distributors do fit the 5.0 block. I'm advised that you have to use a steel or bronze distributor gear on the 5.0 steel camshaft gears. I put a steel distributor gear on a '69 distributor in a 5.0 engine I put in a '40 and ran it 50,000+ miles with no ill effects.
NOT in all cases,the TECH info here shows how to measure https://www.skipwhiteperformance.co...te-distributor-long-shaft-6502-5-black_79942/ the difference of a 1/2" means the gear is not centered but riding on the top of the gear mesh it will work but could eventually fail. Several of the SBF forums mention coating the gear with white grease and then seating it and pulling it out to check for the engagement pattern,there is also some differences in the oil pump drive shaft lengths that has come up sometimes you get lucky but it's always best to check and not ***ume.
I agree that it is best to check if there is a question. I went through this in 1997 with a '94 HO engine and found the necessity of the different distributor gear. I never saw anything suggesting varying length distributors. I apologize if I spread bad information. Now I have a question: The Skip White site referenced above indicates the difference is in the length of the shaft below the gear. Is that section of the gear where the "long shaft" term came from?
Great information. Thank you guys. So, can I use the balancer thats currently one the 302 then oor do I need a new one? The Skip White distributors look great and reasonably priced. Can't say I'm a huge fan of the looks of HEI, but what can you do? Sent from my SM-G930T using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Read post #4 again and do as it says, the balancer you need has a link to it you cannot use the one you have it does not match up to your 289 accessories post #2 explains that in detail.
Post 4 says to read post 2 which is actually inside of post 1. There is no link to a balancer. This is what it says on my end: If your C4 is a pre 1970 unit it probably would have the smaller bell housing and it is 28oz balance,your EFI 5.0 is 50oz so this is the correct balancer as it is the short length to match your 289 pulleys and water pump,The earlier C4 flexplate should have 157 teeth so you need to count your old one if it is 157 you'll need this: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g110sfi/overview/ It's a highly confusing statement, which is why I asked for clarification. I now understand I need a new balancer & flexplate.
Weird link should have worked here it is again: http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Professional-Products-Small-Block-Ford-Harmonic-Balancers,1802.html You want to chose the 50oz option.This balancer has all 3 sets of SBF timing marks and both 3 bolt and 4 bolt patterns for the pulleys it is the same length as a stock 289 balancer so your 289 pulleys,timing cover and pointer can be used with it. One word of advice when you get it get it give it several coats of clear engine paint the original paint on mine flaked off and I lost most of my timing marks.
I disagree on the long shaft for the distributor. I have many both FI roller cores and old style 302 blocks and the distributor length below the gear is different. IMHO that was some sort of engineering attempt to compensate for the roller cam and the smaller 302. 5.0 oil pump drive shaft. Gear matching for the cam is important as is ensuring a 50oz balancer and flexplate.
Simple solution to avoid any confusion,apply a generous coat of white grease to your old 289 distributor's gear insert it into the 5.0 put it in and pull it out if it indicates that the gear mesh is centered you are good to go if it is not centered order the long shaft unit knowing that these oil pump drive shafts can be a weak link replace yours with an ARP unit first that do the depth check.
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