I just finished my 302 rebuild project. I took an 89 150 I6 5-speed 4X4 and put a rebuild 302 into it. I have a few problems. Mostly minor. Balance is one thing, the engine is not very smooth. the harmonic balancer is the same(I.E it came off the 302 and went back on) I had to switch flywheels because the 302 was bolted to an automatic originally. The flywheel has a few scuffs in it from a worn clutch(rivet scuffs). It doesnt idle very well, it is supposed to idle around 700 RPM, but if I set it at that, it dies, I have it set between 900 and 1000, but when it is out of gear it revs from 600 to 1200 constantly. When the truck starts cold, it revs up to 2000 for about 30 seconds. The speedo doesnt work. I went though a field and it started working, but soon after it died again. 99% sure its electronicly gauged. Water temp gauge doesnt work. I think that is what causes the Check engine light to come on after about 15 minutes. right now i have stock exhaust manifolds(leaking in the flanges) and no cat. the muffler is on but missing the back plate. Soon a professional exhaust will go on. Any other details just ask. Thankyou for the help.
Tim

 

Not sure if this will work but you went from a 6 cyl to an 8 cyl, might want to search local salvage yard and try swapping computer from vehicle with your current set up.

 

You have to have a computer for the new engine - it won't run right off the six cylinder computer. The flywheel also needs to be from a 302.

 

I wasn't sure about the flywheel for the standard. I know the auto's have balance weights and are matched to the block cast number.

 

I have the computer from an auto 302 for that year, sothe computers should be compatable. what is the difference in the flywheel and pressure plate from the 6 to the 8?

 

You said you switched flywheels. Did the replacement wheel come off a 302 or the I6. Don't know if they'll even cross fit. If you are using the 6 cyl wheel, you are trying to balance an 8cyl with a 6cyl wheel. As far as the surface mating for the wheel and pressure plate shouldn't matter as long as they are the same diameter and fit.

 

did you make any internal modifications like a cam? if u did u changed to manifold pressure, with the current density system like you have that is a no no, trust me i am having the same problems with my 88 302