Smallblock flywheel differences

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Feb 17, 2003 | 10:24 PM

rosentr

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Joined: Feb 2002

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Smallblock flywheel differences

I have a 1962 221V8 out of a possibly a falcon or fairlane. My question is which flywheels will work with this motor? It is of course the early (5bolt) bellhousing pattern. The first problem I have is the 163 tooth 289 flywheel will not fit in the 5 bolt bellhousing. I'm guessing a 157 tooth flywheel is right, but I am not sure about balance differences, if any, between the 221, 260, and 289's, and I don't want to purchase a 157tooth flywheel if I will have problems fitting it as well. Was there another flywheel with the earlier small blocks?

I apologize up front as this engine is not really destined for a truck, but this site seems to have the most knowledgable ford folks on the web, so I thought would ask. Any info would be very appreciated.

Tom

Feb 18, 2003 | 04:06 PM

mtflat

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Joined: Oct 1999

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From: Kalispell, MT

Smallblock flywheel differences

First, I'm not up on the earlier engines, but I can tell you what I've found in trying to put a 73 302 in a mid-80's 'stang.

Before 81 - they used a 28 oz imbalance factor. After 82 it was 50 oz. You'll need the early imbalance of 28 oz.

The other issue is size and here is where I'm unsure what was used in what, but the 164 tooth measures 14.25" in diameter.
The 157 measures 13.25" diam.

I'd suggest you measure the opening in the 5 bolt bell to decide what diameter flywheel you need. If the 13.25 will fit, and I think it should, then find the flywheel.

Two options: 1) Buy a 157 tooth 50 oz wheel and have it re-balanced to 28 oz imbalance by your local machine shop. 2) Buy a racing flywheel in 157 x 28 oz.