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I have a few questions for those who have installed a late model 5.0 engine into an early mustang. I have a 1986 5.0 engine that I would like to put in a 1965 Mustang. However I noticed there are some differences between the early 302's and late 302's. One difference is the balancing. I'm told the 68-79 302's used a 28 oz. imbalance while the 82-up used a 50 oz. imbalance. This means I can not use my original flywheel. I am going to keep the stock 4 speed manual tranny so can I purchase any 50 oz. imbalance flywheel that is meant for a clutch?
My next question relies within the distributor. The 86 302 had electronic ignition. I want to run a points set up like what was used in the early 302's. However, the shaft below the gear is longer on the 86 302 distributor than the early years. What is the solution for this?
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I have a 1986 5.0 engine that I would like to put in a 1965 Mustang. However I noticed there are some differences between the early 302's and late 302's. One difference is the balancing. I'm told the 68-79 302's used a 28 oz. imbalance while the 82-up used a 50 oz. imbalance. This means I can not use my original flywheel. I am going to keep the stock 4 speed manual tranny so can I purchase any 50 oz. imbalance flywheel that is meant for a clutch? Yes. You can also get a special 5.0 harmonic damper that allows you to use all the pulleys and brackets for 65.
My next question relies within the distributor. The 86 302 had electronic ignition. I want to run a points set up like what was used in the early 302's. However, the shaft below the gear is longer on the 86 302 distributor than the early years. What is the solution for this? No, it's not, but you need to change the distributor gear to a steel one compatible with your roller cam.
I just called Mustangs Plus as they do many restomod restorations and was told I could not use a points distributor as they do not make one that has the correct length shaft. I know the shaft lengths are different because I can visually see it when comparing the two. The tech from Mustangs plus said to run the electronic ignition. This means I will have to find the sensor that plugs into the side of the distributor and the box that routes to. Has anyone done this before? If so, what is the difficulty on this swap?
I just called Mustangs Plus as they do many restomod restorations and was told I could not use a points distributor as they do not make one that has the correct length shaft. I know the shaft lengths are different because I can visually see it when comparing the two. The tech from Mustangs plus said to run the electronic ignition. This means I will have to find the sensor that plugs into the side of the distributor and the box that routes to. Has anyone done this before? If so, what is the difficulty on this swap?
Strange,I have done this. Ford Racing and many others provide the steel gear for just this reason.
Not sure if this makes a difference but I looked again and the motor is an 1987 not 1986 as I listed above. That is interesting on those links you listed as the gear shown does state it is to switch to a points distributor. I wonder if they didn't change the distributor shaft in 1987 then.
No, no change between the 86 and 87. For all the difference it makes, you could use a 65 stock distributor (with the steel gear installed) in a brand-new Ford Racing 5.0 "crate motor".
I just called Mustangs Plus as they do many restomod restorations and was told I could not use a points distributor as they do not make one that has the correct length shaft.
Who'd you talk to there? I've found that half of the counter people don't know beans about classic Mustangs. If you have to talk to them for a tech question, ask Ron Jr.
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Tad H.
'67 Fastback
331 stroker
Who'd you talk to there? I've found that half of the counter people don't know beans about classic Mustangs. If you have to talk to them for a tech question, ask Ron Jr.
You could just call Glazier Nolan, they've been in Mustangs 34 years, almost everyone there works on Mustangs. They'll even answer questions about parts, like if you wanted to know how long the distributor shaft was, they'd go measure it for you.
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Late model 5.0 in 1965 Mustang
