302 flywheel weight opinion, not imbalance

[skidd]

In an ideal world, complete un-abused mustang GT t5s would be common and cheap. Turns out the latter year v6 T5 however are common and cheap. I'm fully aware of all the issues with these. SN95 input shaft length, 164 tooth bell housing. Etc. I know I could also swap a 95 gt bell housing, but they are over priced and rare.

So, I'm tossing around the idea of snagging a complete 2000 V6 T5, and doing a 11" flywheel setup from an
older F150. Parts are cheap. The only really big issue I've found is the weight of the 11" flywheel, and possibly the weight of the pressure plate.

The 164t 11" f150 flywheel seems to only exist in 28 to 33 lb versions. That's an additional 5+ lbs over the stock mustang flywheel weight.

My question is, what do you guys think about the idea of a 30# flywheel in a DD roadster? It'll have a 302 with GT40 heads, e303 cam, 600cfm carb on a weiand stealth intake, and 3.50 gears in the 8.8. Is the cost savings & availability of the v6 t5 worth the added flywheel weight?

[Jeff Kleiner]

In an ideal world, complete un-abused mustang GT t5s would be common and cheap. Turns out the latter year v6 T5 however are common and cheap. I'm fully aware of all the issues with these. SN95 input shaft length, 164 tooth bell housing. Etc. I know I could also swap a 95 gt bell housing, but they are over priced and rare.

So, I'm tossing around the idea of snagging a complete 2000 V6 T5, and doing a 11" flywheel setup from an
older F150. Parts are cheap. The only really big issue I've found is the weight of the 11" flywheel, and possibly the weight of the pressure plate.

The 164t 11" f150 flywheel seems to only exist in 28 to 33 lb versions. That's an additional 5+ lbs over the stock mustang flywheel weight.

My question is, what do you guys think about the idea of a 30# flywheel in a DD roadster? It'll have a 302 with GT40 heads, e303 cam, 600cfm carb on a weiand stealth intake, and 3.50 gears in the 8.8. Is the cost savings & availability of the v6 t5 worth the added flywheel weight?

If you can find V6 T-5 transmissions cheap buy 2---because unless you treat it gently it probably isn't going to be long lived. The 3.8 V6 trans is rated for a maximum of 265 lb/ft. V8 ratings range from 300 lb/ft on up to 330 for the T5-Z.

Jeff

[skidd]

The 99-04 model V6 t5 is reported to be the exact same as the 94-95 GT. The 96-98 is equal in strength to the pre 93 GT. So long as I look above 99, it should be strong enough for my mild 302. Coming from a V6 should also be less abused. Its the bell housing and flywheel weight differences that are my current concern. As for cheap, they pop up on CL around here for well under $200 all the time. I'd expect I should manage to find a complete one for $100-$150.

[mikeinatlanta]

Just my opinion. Nothing makes a car sound racy like a featherweight flywheel and the quick revving that goes with it. Conversely, nothing will make a healthy motor sound anemic like an overweight flywheel. On a positive note, it will be more difficult to stall and drive smoother at parking lot speeds.

[skullandbones]

Depending on your driving style, it might actually be advantageous to have a heavier flywheel. I suppose you are making sure the counter weighting is matched. I hate that about Ford small blocks. I have an aluminum flywheel with steel insert. I can tell it revs a little quicker but I'm sure it is not helpful performance wise (engine very much like yours). I think I wasted my money there. At one time I actually had an aluminum fly wheel on a big block chevy that was all aluminum. That was a long time ago. Ask me how long that lasted. Overall, I don't think it will affect your engine that much for regular driving conditions.

WEK.

[skidd]

I agree with the idea that a quick revving motor sure does sound awesome. My neighbor has an old Vett Stingray with a well built 350... but the heavy torque converter sure does make the motor sound .. well... sluggish. Though, it seems to pull well enough when driving. Then again, it's an Automatic, so it's already a strike in my book. I just wish I could tell ahead of time what a 30# FW behind this 302 would be like. Hence, the reason I'm asking here.. to see if anybody has any experience or insight to offer. Will it be lame? Ultra lame? or more-or-less normal.

Indeed.. I would make sure I grabbed a 50oz FW. It's a 1999 Explorer 5.0 that it'll be bolted to.

I currently drive a Subaru 2.5RS with a DIY M62 Mercedes Supercharger (http://www.ludicrous-speed.com/wiki/index.php?title=2000_Subaru_Impreza_2.5RSC_Build_P art_1). I put in a lighter (13lb) flywheel. It was about 8lbs lighter than stock (21lbs I think) and only 10" diameter.. And to be honest, I didn't noticed a massive difference. Some.. yeah.. but not huge. With the reduction in mass, I have no trouble driving it. Ok.. yeah.. apples to oranges. small 4cyl vs medium 8cyl. But, i'm not too worried about the skills needed to smoothly drive a lighter FW car. Though, I doubt I'd go for anything other than a stock(ish) mustang weight FW.