Hey Guys, Hope someones could help me with this. I have a 302 with a C4. Im going to use a 164 tooth flywheel, I just got a starter for it and ready to bolt together. Got it snugged up and everything fit great, but the converter needs to slide out of the trans about an inch to pull up to the flywheel. Is something wrong? or do I need to pull the converter to meet the flywheel to mate 'em together. Not real comfortable with it. Not like a GM where I could machine some spacers and bolt together. Id appreciate any help. If you need more info, let me know. Thanks everyone in advanced.
Slide it up and bolt it on. I've got the same setup in my car ('87 302 Roller motor with a 70's C4) and had the same issue. I consulted a buddy who is a master tech, he looked at it, bolted it together, and all was fine.
Yes slide it up. Also make sure you have the right flywheel. I forget the years but early 302 to like 79? were externally ballanced after that there internally. Just something extra to worry you about.
Perfectly normal. Just make sure your crankshaft doesn't have a pilot bearing retainer in it, as the hub in the converter needs to go in that hole.
Im sure its a C4 Django. Thanks to all you guys for helping me out. I just had to get a little confidence boost before I go any further. Thanks again!!!!
He he, I found that out the hard way too! First time I tried sliding it all up it got bound up. Then I remembered the guy I bought the motor from had a 5 speed behind it.
I hate to disagree with everyone else but if you have to slide the torque converter forward anymore than ½” something is wrong. Sliding the torque converter forward 1” will pull the torque converter right out of the pump. When the bell housing is bolted tight to the motor the torque converter studs usually bind up with the flexplate on a C4. I'd check with a trans shop to make sure that is the right bellhousing for your setup. Gus
All SBFs are externally balanced from the factory and have balance pads/weights on the harmonic balancers and flywheels. Pre 1982 302 motors used a 28oz imbalance and 1982 and up 302/5.0 motors used a 50oz imbalance. Crank, balancer and flywheel all need to be from the same vintage. Depending on the literature your reading the actual change dates seem to vary, even with Ford literature. A few of the Ford Motorsports docs indicate a 1980 change over while the majority of Ford documentation and all aftermarket information I've seen indicate a 1982 change over. In ANY case its well worth the 200-250 dollars to have even the most mundane motor balanced during a rebuild. -Bigchief.
Its been a couple of days since I checked back but thanks again for all your help. There was something wrong, The Bell Housing was incorrect. I found out by checking the numbers that it was made between 82'/83' for a 200 ci inline six. Bolts up fine with all my gear but is 3/4" longer than what I need. Sumbitch. I got the correct one and all is well. Thanks again folks, I really appreciate getting on here and you all giving me a hand.
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