Hello i just bought a 302 5.0 HO motor and was wondering what flexplate i can use to mate the engine to my fmx transmisson? Any help is appreciated

 

You'll need a flexplate weighted for the engine, and either a 157 or 164 tooth depending on if the transmission is a car or truck version. Does it have a four stud torque converter?

 

The 5.0 engine is currently mated to a AOD transmission right now. Im just wondering what i will need to put the engine behind the fmx thats currently in my truck

 

I'm not nearly as fond of an AOD over a 4R70W but, given my choices between an AOD and an old FMX, I would definitely run the AOD and you already have the flexplate for it.

 

The AOD can be built fairly stout, and offers overdrive and a locking torque converter without all the electronics of the 4R70. The only tricky part is getting the throttle position cable set, if it's wrong the transmission will not live long.

 

Thousands of AOD swaps have been successfully done. Adjusting the throttle valve cable on the AOD is very simple.

This example shown on EFI intakes but, just imagine the end of the cable is attached to the butterfly shaft on a carburetor, if you're not using the EFI induction.


In reference to the 4R70W, the electronics of the shift solenoids are easily handled through a stand-alone shift controller. The transmission can be set to shift to factory specs or, it can be programed with altered pressure levels or shift points (alternate and selective 'performance' setting). It can work as a normal automatic or, it can be setup to be manually up and down shifted (such as with a paddle shifter) or, as a selective combination between fully automatic or manually shifted. The torque converter lockup can be selectively engaged or disengage at will. These features aren't possible with the AOD but, personally, I would still take the AOD over a heavy, non-overdriven FMX.

 

Ok the problem is the aod behind the 5.0 is no good. This why im asking what do i need to use the 5.0 with the fmx.

 

If your looking for a flex plate remember that for changed the imbalance on the 302 from 28oz to 50oz in the mid 1980's. This is important.

 

Use the flex plate that's on the engine now. The FMX should have the same T/C bolt pattern as an AOD T/C. Use new locking nuts though. Ford part number 378941-S441. Still available because Ford still uses the same nuts. Your local Ford Dealer will have them in stock.

 

ok so the existing flexplate thats on the engine will work with no problems? Just wanna make sure before i put everything together. What starter should i use?

 

Depends. The flexplate on that engine should be a 164 tooth. What is the FMX out of? Do you have the flexplate that was used with that FMX to count it's teeth?

 

The fmx is currently behind a 351m-400 but i do have a small block bellhousing to bolt up to it.

 

There are two different small block bells and flex plates- 164 tooth for a truck, and 157 for a car. The starter location is different by about 1/8"

 

Ok is there any way i can find out what bellhousing size i have. Maybe part # or something

 

If the OP counts the teeth on that 302 HO flexplate, I'll betcha it has 157 teeth.