I am finally ready to fire up this Maverick after a 302 swap. The engine is a 1980 302(AutoC4TransLargeBell). So I thought I needed a 1980 starter to match. Well it just spun and never even touched the flywheel. So the guy who built my engine looked up my flexplate # and said i needed a starter for a 71-77 Mav 302. I just got done bolting it in and its doing the same thing. Any ideas??
that would be your problem...w/large bellhousing you need the 164 flexplate... FORD 289-302 WINDSOR FLEXPLATE 157 TOOTH FRA-203
I appreciate your help but I was hoping you wouldn't say that! But now I know at least. What about the starter though? Which one do I need the 1980 or will either one work?
if your motor has been balanced, change bellhousings... i think either starter will fit. my starter fit my...'73 302...'91 5.0...'93 5.0. frank...
Well I'm having the guy who built the motor and sold me that flexplate come over. I'll let him help me figure out the easiest solution. Because I had to buy a damper and I think they asked me what flexplate I had. I guess either way Ill be dropping the tranny. Thanks for your input. :Handshake
the...crank balance...decides the damper weight. the...crank balance...decides the flexplate weight. the...flexplate...(157/164)...decides the bellhousing...(large/small) the...bellhousing...(large/small)...decides the flexplate...(157/164). ...:Handshake...
I hope this "guy" did everything right. If its a 50 oz motor, it should have a 50 oz flexplate. So far it sounds like this guy has no clue what hes talking about "oh, you need a maverick starter"
I'll mention all of this, thanks guys. He seems to be pretty smart but I'm starting to wonder. I'm waiting to hear back from him and I'll let you know what happens.
So i need to replace the flexplate and was wondering if you could answer a few questions? The flexplate has to be unbolted from the converter, correct? How do I get to all the nuts, by turning the crank? Also do i need to drain all the tranny fluid(converter too) and antifreeze so i can take out the cooler lines?
That ebay link you showed me - thats what i have now and your saying i need a 164 tooth FRA-205, right?
No, the converter needs to be unbolted from the flexplate...turn the engine using a 15/16" socket and you can get to the converter bolt behind the inspection plate. Removing the spark plugs will make the engine turn easier but it’s not required. Yon need to drain the transmission and disconnect the cooling lines. Antifreeze is not going to run out because it’s in a different section in the radiator. You have to pull the transmission to swap the flexplate. Don't forget to reinstall the block plate before installing the flexplate.
Ok thanks but there will be several(5or6) nuts to take off right? Also, is it necessary to drain the converter of trans fluid?
