302 Blueprint & balance question (ANSWERED)

[AK F100]

A few years ago, when I had my 302 assembled, I had it blueprinted & balanced and at the time, I was going to install a C4 Auto. Years later, still...... working on the "project", I have changed my mind (hard to believe I know) and now would like a manual transmission. Due to lack of $$$$$, I am trying to find a suitable T18, T19 or NP435. My truck will never be hauling or towing anything real heavy, it will just be a pavement pounder, so I know the low first gear will be kinda a waste.

That being said, the machine shop used my flexplate in the process and will swapping over to a manual transmission change anything, or is there anything special I need to be watching out for. If it makes a difference, the engine originally came out of a 80-82 Mercury Capri and was I believe a H.O. engine.

A little about the truck:

1968 F100 2wd Shorty, It will be lowered a bit and be running 28"-30" tires on the rear and If memory serves me correctly it has 4.10 - 4.11 gears in the rear-end. It will be a bit of a theme truck (I have been gathering parts over the last few years and am going to build my version of a 1968 F100 Harley Davidson Edition) and will not see any heavy hauling service.

Thanks for the help

[eggman918]

when my 390 was balanced they balanced the pressure plate as part of the rotating mass,I recall a weight welded to it.I do not know if it must all be rebalanced...but I bet someone will

[knightfire83]

If it does make a difference... Couldn't the machine shop check how the flex plate is balanced, then match a flywheel to the same specification? I would think so.

[AK F100]

If it does make a difference... Couldn't the machine shop check how the flex plate is balanced, then match a flywheel to the same specification? I would think so.

I would think so, I guess I should just call a local machine shop and ask them.

Edit - Thanks for the simple answer . I guess I was way over thinking it . I called the machine shop and that is exactly what they said they would do. Thanks again.

[eggman918]

I have balanced pump and turbine rotating assembles and it was done assembled,however if you made a fixture to mount clutch to balance it then attach clutch and balance it that would work.But that is a lot of work,might be less expensive to disassemble motor

[AK F100]

I have balanced pump and turbine rotating assembles and it was done assembled,however if you made a fixture to mount clutch to balance it then attach clutch and balance it that would work.But that is a lot of work,might be less expensive to disassemble motor

The machine shop said they could do it with just the old flexplate and the new flywheel. I suspect they have the adapters already. I really have no interest in tearing the engine doen again, that would be a bummer to have to do. If that was the case, I would just keep the C4 since I already have it.

at my work I send pumps and turbine rotors out quite often to get repaired and balanced.

[eggman918]

was just thinking a engine shop might already have fixture on shelf,if so it should only be about 1 hour labor or so

[70_F100]

Due to lack of $$$$$, I am trying to find a suitable T18, T19 or NP435. My truck will never be hauling or towing anything real heavy, it will just be a pavement pounder, so I know the low first gear will be kinda a waste.

Thanks for the help

Find a close-ratio T19, and you won't have a granny gear.

You'll have four fully-functional gears to choose from, starting in 1st each time.

That's exactly what I'm looking for to put in my '70.

[knightfire83]

Since you have a 302, and your truck wont see heavy use, couldn't you find a nice 5 speed that would bolt up easily? It would be nice to have overdrive in a street truck.

[AK F100]

Since you have a 302, and your truck wont see heavy use, couldn't you find a nice 5 speed that would bolt up easily? It would be nice to have overdrive in a street truck.

I agree, it would be nice. Money is pretty tight right now. I am always keeping my eye out for a "steal of a deal" on a 5-Speed. I did the calcs and it looks like the rear tire will be about 30.5" tall, so with the 4.10-4.11 gears an OD Transmission would be nice, but not totally necessary.

[badboyzkustumz]

why not just grab a 5 speed out of the junkyard? should be plenty of mustang, thunderbirds, and other models with a stick in it.

[AK F100]

why not just grab a 5 speed out of the junkyard? should be plenty of mustang, thunderbirds, and other models with a stick in it.

I seem to hear a lot about car transmissions not holding up to use in a truck.

I guess that raises a different question as t if a car transmission would hold up to a truck running a 30.5" rear tire. If it will, than that would be a good option. I know on the Mercury Capri I use to own, it had an S-ROD Manual and it did not seem very strong.

EDIT - Any information in regard to the transmission question, please see the thread in the Drivetrain section. I'll try and keep this one to engine related information. Thanks

The thread in the drivetrain section:
http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =4&t=46729

[twentyocho]

What about a T5 out of a 5.0? Those things are hella stout and since you don't plan on hauling anything I would think it can handle the job...