I'm using a 1971 C4 transmission with an 85 302 engine. The engine originally used a 164 tooth, 50 ounce, flexplate with an AOD transmission. I am purchasing a 157 tooth (50 Oz) flexplate to use with the C4 because the converter will not bolt to the 164 flexplate. I think I also need a different block spacer plate to match the 157 tooth flexplate...or will the block plate that came with the 164 tooth work? Also, will my starter that was originally used with the 164 flexplate still work with the 157 tooth or will I need a different starter?

 

I think the block plate will be ok.. I don't think it is flywheel/flexplate sensitive.

Sam

 

Thanks Sam...and the inspection plate too?

 

yeh, should be fine.

Sam

 

Sounds like you've about got it sorted out Vern.

The inspection cover just needs to match the spacer plate it came with.

The starter should be ok. I've found variations in windsor starters tho, some 1/4" longer than others. I had trouble for awhile with my 86 5.0 - starter would only engage sometimes. Visual inspection showed I needed the longer reach and had one that was shorter. Same part number, apparently variations in mfg'd snout.

 

Vern,

The block plate on a Ford serves the critical purpose of precisely locating the starter in relation to the ring gear. The 164 tooth flywheel is larger in diameter than the 157 tooth wheel and the bellhousing and block plate are consequently different to locate the starter slightly farther outboard for the 164 tooth wheel. The flywheel, bellhousing, and block plate are a matched set for either 157 tooth or 164 tooth. The starter bore and bolt holes in the 164 tooth block plate you have won't line up with starter location and bolt holes on the 157 tooth C4 bellhousing. You're going to need to dig up a 157 tooth block plate. On the brighter side, yes, the starter will work with either 157 or 164.

 

well, I've never seen em different, and the bolt holes in the hosing do more to control the position.. but.

here is a site that clearly lists them as different

ATI Racing Transmissions - Ford C4 Transmissions

Sam

 

OK, so it looks like all the answers are here already and I'm coming in late, but I was just going to echo everything that BOR said, in case anyone cares. ;-)

 

What vehicle did the '85 302 come from? There are two possible 302 rear engine plates 1978/86, another was used 1965/68 289, 1968/77 302.

 

I'm not sure. I bought the engine already removed from the vehicle...but since it's not a 289 and it is an 85, not 68-77, then it must be the one that came on 78-86. However, the block plate on it was used with a 164 tooth flexplate and an AOD. Since I'm retrofitting a C4 I can see why I might need a 157 tooth flexplate and a matching block plate to align the starter for the 157 flexplate...

 

If anybody has a 157 tooth block plate and inspection plate they want to sell, send me a PM. Thanks.

 

Hi there - just checked EBay and there might be your block plate for $34 w/free shipping!!

Joe

 

Joe, thanks. I would just as soon have used parts but if nobody has them then Ebay it is...

 

There's a good article on small block Ford starters in Street Rodder June issue. It's in the 'Shop Manual' section and has a "Starter Technical Bulletin" put out by Powermaster.

 

I had a similar situation. I had a 1985 302 with a C5 on it. Dropped the c5 and put in a 4 speed standard. After getting everything bolted up I turned the engine over and had a loud scraping noise. The spacer plate for the automatic was scraping against the back of standard flywheel.

Those spacers are a real pain to find.